In which stage of the Calvin Cycle does the plant cell produce energy-rich molecules for storage?

• A. Reduction phase
• B. Photorespiration
• C. Regeneration of RuBP
• D. Carbon fixation

Answer: (A)

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 divided into three main stages: Carbon fixation, Reduction phase, and Regeneration of RuBP.
2. Identify the stages: The three stages of the Calvin Cycle are: 1) Carbon fixation, where CO2 is incorporated into an organic molecule, 2) Reduction phase, where ATP and NADPH are used to convert 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), and 3) Regeneration of RuBP, where G3P is used to regenerate RuBP, allowing the cycle to continue.
3. Focus on the Reduction phase: During the Reduction phase, ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions of photosynthesis are used to convert 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), a sugar molecule. This phase is crucial for producing energy-rich molecules.
4. Recognize the role of G3P: Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) is an energy-rich molecule that can be used by the plant to synthesize glucose and other carbohydrates, which are stored as energy reserves.
5. Conclude the process: The Reduction phase is the stage in the Calvin Cycle where energy-rich molecules are produced, making it the correct answer to the question.