Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 7 Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food
Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 9

To synthesize one glucose molecule, the Calvin cycle uses _________ molecules of CO₂, _________ molecules of ATP, and _________ molecules of NADPH.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the Calvin cycle's role in photosynthesis. The Calvin cycle is the set of light-independent reactions where carbon dioxide (CO2) is fixed into glucose (C6H12O6) using energy from ATP and reducing power from NADPH.
Step 2: Recall the stoichiometry of the Calvin cycle. To produce one molecule of glucose, the cycle must run six times because each turn fixes one molecule of CO2.
Step 3: Determine the ATP requirement. Each turn of the Calvin cycle consumes 3 molecules of ATP. Multiply this by 6 turns to find the total ATP needed.
Step 4: Determine the NADPH requirement. Each turn of the Calvin cycle consumes 2 molecules of NADPH. Multiply this by 6 turns to find the total NADPH needed.
Step 5: Summarize the inputs. The Calvin cycle requires 6 molecules of CO2, the total ATP calculated in Step 3, and the total NADPH calculated in Step 4 to synthesize one glucose molecule.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
5m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Calvin Cycle

The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms. It is responsible for converting carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose, using energy derived from ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The cycle involves three main phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of ribulose bisphosphate.
Recommended video:

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process involves two main stages: the light-dependent reactions, which capture energy from sunlight to produce ATP and NADPH, and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle), which use this energy to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide. Overall, photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth as it provides the primary energy source for nearly all ecosystems.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:58
Pigments of Photosynthesis

Molecular Inputs of the Calvin Cycle

To synthesize one glucose molecule, the Calvin cycle requires six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2), which are fixed into organic molecules. Additionally, it uses 18 molecules of ATP and 12 molecules of NADPH, which are generated during the light-dependent reactions. These inputs are crucial for driving the reactions that ultimately lead to the production of glucose, highlighting the interconnectedness of the light and dark reactions in photosynthesis.
Recommended video: