The ratio of CO₂, NADPH₂, and ATP molecules required to synthesize one glucose molecule from the output of the C₃ pathway is, respectively:
Correct answer: A. 6, 12, 18
- A. 6, 12, 18
- B. 1, 2, 3
- C. 3, 6, 9
- D. 12, 24, 36
Explanation
The correct stoichiometric ratio of CO₂, NADPH, and ATP molecules required to synthesize one glucose molecule via the Calvin Cycle is 6:12:18. This is because the Calvin Cycle, which occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts, involves the fixation of 6 molecules of CO₂ to produce one molecule of glucose. In this process, 12 molecules of NADPH and 18 molecules of ATP are consumed. The incorrect options either do not match this stoichiometric requirement or represent proportional but inaccurate values.
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