For every 3 molecules of carbon dioxide in Calvin cycle how much G3P is produced?

Correct answer: A. 6

  • A. 6
  • B. 5
  • C. 3
  • D. 8

Explanation

In the Calvin cycle, 3 molecules of carbon dioxide are fixed by an enzyme called RuBisCO, resulting in 6 molecules of G3P. These are the initial products of carbon fixation. Out of these 6 G3P molecules, 5 are used to regenerate RuBP, the CO2 acceptor molecule, and 1 is available for synthesis of glucose and other carbohydrates. Therefore, while the Calvin cycle produces 6 G3P molecules for every 3 CO2 molecules, only one contributes directly to biosynthesis outside the cycle. The incorrect options either underestimate or overestimate the number of G3P molecules produced.

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