NEETBotanyPhotosynthesis in Higher Plants
To synthesize one complete molecule of glucose through the Calvin cycle, what is the total requirement of ATP and NADPH molecules?
Options
- A12 molecules of ATP and 18 molecules of NADPH
- B30 molecules of ATP and 12 molecules of NADPH
- C3 molecules of ATP and 2 molecules of NADPH
- D18 molecules of ATP and 12 molecules of NADPH
Correct answer
D. 18 molecules of ATP and 12 molecules of NADPH
Step-by-step solution
For the synthesis of one molecule of glucose, 6 molecules of CO ₂ must be fixed through the Calvin cycle. The fixation of a single CO ₂ molecule in the Calvin cycle requires 3 molecules of ATP and 2 molecules of NADPH. Therefore, to fix 6 molecules of CO ₂ and produce one molecule of glucose, the total requirement is 6 3 = 18 molecules of ATP and 6 2 = 12 molecules of NADPH. Option 1 incorrectly swaps the values. Option 2 represents the requirement for a C₄ plant. Option 3 represents the requirement for only a sing