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Multiple Choice
Which compound is produced during the carbon fixation process in photosynthesis?
A
Ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP)
B
3-Phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)
C
Pyruvate
D
Glucose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Carbon fixation is the first step of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis, where atmospheric CO2 is incorporated into organic molecules.
Identify the key enzyme: The enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) catalyzes the reaction between CO2 and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).
Recognize the reaction: RuBisCO facilitates the carboxylation of RuBP, resulting in an unstable 6-carbon intermediate.
Break down the intermediate: The unstable 6-carbon compound quickly splits into two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).
Conclude the process: 3-PGA is the first stable product of the carbon fixation process in the Calvin cycle.