In the Calvin cycle, which molecule exits the cycle to form glucose and other carbohydrates?

Prepare for the Biology Test on Energy, Enzymes, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis, and Metabolic Pathways with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Gain insights with detailed hints and explanations to excel in your exam.

Multiple Choice

In the Calvin cycle, which molecule exits the cycle to form glucose and other carbohydrates?

Explanation:
The main idea here is understanding what the Calvin cycle actually exports to build sugars. After carbon dioxide is fixed and then reduced, the immediate carbohydrate product formed is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a three-carbon sugar phosphate. This is the molecule that exits the cycle to be used for making glucose and other carbohydrates. Two of these G3P molecules are eventually combined and converted through a few steps to form glucose, while the rest of the carbon is kept inside the cycle to regenerate the CO2 acceptor, RuBP, with the help of ATP and NADPH. So, the molecule that leaves the cycle to become glucose is G3P, not CO2, RuBP, or ATP.

The main idea here is understanding what the Calvin cycle actually exports to build sugars. After carbon dioxide is fixed and then reduced, the immediate carbohydrate product formed is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a three-carbon sugar phosphate. This is the molecule that exits the cycle to be used for making glucose and other carbohydrates. Two of these G3P molecules are eventually combined and converted through a few steps to form glucose, while the rest of the carbon is kept inside the cycle to regenerate the CO2 acceptor, RuBP, with the help of ATP and NADPH. So, the molecule that leaves the cycle to become glucose is G3P, not CO2, RuBP, or ATP.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy