Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What role does the enzyme RuBisCO play in the Calvin Cycle?
A
It breaks down glucose into pyruvate during glycolysis.
B
It catalyzes the fixation of carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
C
It synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
D
It transports electrons during the light-dependent reactions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Calvin Cycle: The Calvin Cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms. It is part of the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules.
Identify the role of RuBisCO: RuBisCO, or Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the first major step of carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle.
Explore the carbon fixation process: RuBisCO facilitates the reaction between carbon dioxide and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), resulting in the formation of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). This is the initial step in converting inorganic carbon into organic molecules.
Clarify misconceptions: RuBisCO does not break down glucose into pyruvate, synthesize ATP, or transport electrons. These processes are part of glycolysis, cellular respiration, and the light-dependent reactions, respectively.
Summarize RuBisCO's function: RuBisCO is crucial for the Calvin Cycle as it enables the fixation of carbon dioxide, allowing plants to synthesize sugars and other organic compounds necessary for growth and energy storage.