Multiple Choice
What is the role of NADP+ in photosynthesis?
9. Photosynthesis
Review of Photosynthesis
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In photosynthesis, what is the fate of the oxygen atoms present in CO2? They end up __________.
A
as molecular oxygen
B
in sugar molecules
C
in water
D
as molecular oxygen and in sugar molecules
E
in sugar molecules and in water
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. The general equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Identify the role of CO2: In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the reactants. The carbon atoms from CO2 are used to form the backbone of glucose molecules (C6H12O6).
Determine the fate of oxygen atoms in CO2: The oxygen atoms in CO2 are incorporated into the glucose molecule and also into water molecules. This is because during the Calvin cycle, CO2 is fixed into organic molecules, and the oxygen atoms are rearranged to form both glucose and water.
Clarify the formation of water: During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, water molecules are split (photolysis) to release oxygen gas (O2), but the oxygen atoms from CO2 are not involved in this process. Instead, they are used in the formation of glucose and water in the Calvin cycle.
Conclude the fate of oxygen atoms: Therefore, the oxygen atoms from CO2 end up in sugar molecules (glucose) and in water, as they are incorporated into these compounds during the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis.
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