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Multiple Choice
How many turns of the Calvin cycle are required for a plant to synthesize one molecule of glucose?
A
3 turns
B
12 turns
C
6 turns
D
1 turn
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the chloroplasts of photosynthetic organisms. It is part of the process of photosynthesis and is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
Identify the main product of the Calvin cycle: The primary product of the Calvin cycle is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), a three-carbon sugar molecule.
Determine the number of G3P molecules needed to form glucose: Glucose is a six-carbon sugar molecule. To form one molecule of glucose, two molecules of G3P are required.
Calculate the number of turns needed to produce G3P: Each turn of the Calvin cycle fixes one molecule of carbon dioxide and produces one molecule of G3P. Therefore, three turns are needed to produce one G3P molecule.
Calculate the total number of turns needed for glucose synthesis: Since two G3P molecules are needed to form one glucose molecule, and each G3P requires three turns, a total of six turns of the Calvin cycle are required to synthesize one molecule of glucose.