Which of the following correctly identify a role of the ATP produced in the light-capturing reactions? Select True or False for each statement. T/F It is used by rubisco to fix CO2 to RuBP. T/F It serves the same role as ATP produced by mitochondria. T/F It is used to regenerate RuBP from G3P molecules. T/F It is used to produce G3P molecules

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking about the role of ATP produced in the light-capturing reactions of photosynthesis. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is a molecule that carries energy within cells. It is produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis and is used in various processes in the plant cell.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each statement individually. The first statement is 'It is used by rubisco to fix CO2 to RuBP.' This is False. Rubisco is an enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of CO2 to RuBP, but it does not use ATP to do so. Instead, ATP is used in the next step of the Calvin cycle to convert the unstable 6-carbon compound into two 3-carbon compounds.
3. Step 3: The second statement is 'It serves the same role as ATP produced by mitochondria.' This is True. ATP, whether produced in the mitochondria during cellular respiration or in the chloroplasts during photosynthesis, serves as an energy carrier in the cell.
4. Step 4: The third statement is 'It is used to regenerate RuBP from G3P molecules.' This is True. In the Calvin cycle, ATP is used to convert G3P molecules back into RuBP so that the cycle can continue.
5. Step 5: The fourth statement is 'It is used to produce G3P molecules.' This is True. ATP is used in the Calvin cycle to convert the 3-carbon compounds produced from CO2 fixation into G3P, a sugar molecule.

Key Concepts

ATP in Photosynthesis

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) produced during the light-capturing reactions of photosynthesis serves as an energy currency for the plant cell. It is generated in the thylakoid membranes and is essential for driving various biochemical processes, including the Calvin cycle, where carbon fixation occurs.

Rubisco and Carbon Fixation

Rubisco (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is an enzyme that catalyzes the first major step of carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle. It facilitates the reaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), ultimately leading to the production of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) and subsequent sugar molecules.

Regeneration of RuBP

The regeneration of RuBP from G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate) is a crucial step in the Calvin cycle, allowing the cycle to continue. ATP is utilized in this process to convert G3P back into RuBP, ensuring that the cycle can fix more CO2 and produce carbohydrates necessary for the plant's energy needs.