Which of the following processes in a plant cell could produce the CO\(_2\) needed for the Calvin cycle?

• A. Active transport of ions across the plasma membrane
• B. Cellular respiration in the mitochondria
• C. Photolysis of water during the light reactions
• D. ATP synthesis by ATP synthase

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle is part of photosynthesis and occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts. It uses CO\(_2\), ATP, and NADPH to produce glucose. The CO\(_2\) required for the Calvin cycle must come from a source within or outside the plant cell.
2. Analyze the options: Evaluate each process mentioned in the problem to determine if it produces CO\(_2\). Cellular respiration in the mitochondria is a process where glucose is broken down to produce ATP, and CO\(_2\) is released as a byproduct. This makes it a potential source of CO\(_2\) for the Calvin cycle.
3. Consider photolysis of water: During the light reactions of photosynthesis, water is split into oxygen, protons, and electrons. This process does not produce CO\(_2\), so it cannot contribute to the Calvin cycle's CO\(_2\) requirement.
4. Evaluate ATP synthesis by ATP synthase: ATP synthase is an enzyme that synthesizes ATP during the light reactions of photosynthesis or cellular respiration. This process does not involve the production of CO\(_2\), so it is not relevant to the Calvin cycle's CO\(_2\) needs.
5. Conclude with the correct process: Cellular respiration in the mitochondria is the only process listed that produces CO\(_2\). This CO\(_2\) can be transported to the chloroplasts and used in the Calvin cycle.