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Multiple Choice
How many turns of the Calvin cycle are required to produce one molecule of glucose?
A
3 turns
B
6 turns
C
12 turns
D
1 turn
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that take place in the chloroplasts of photosynthetic organisms. It is also known as the light-independent reactions or dark reactions.
Recognize that the Calvin cycle uses carbon dioxide, ATP, and NADPH to produce glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), a three-carbon sugar.
Recall that each turn of the Calvin cycle fixes one molecule of carbon dioxide and produces one molecule of G3P. However, to form one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6), which is a six-carbon sugar, two molecules of G3P are needed.
Calculate the number of turns required: Since each turn fixes one carbon atom, and glucose requires six carbon atoms, it takes six turns of the Calvin cycle to produce one molecule of glucose.
Conclude that the correct answer is 6 turns, as each turn contributes one carbon atom to the formation of glucose, and six turns are needed to accumulate the six carbon atoms required for one glucose molecule.