[Campbell Biology P.251] How many molecules of CO2, ATP, and NADPH are required to synthesiz... | Practice Question

How many molecules of CO2, ATP, and NADPH are required to synthesize one molecule of glucose via the Calvin cycle?

  • A: 3 CO2, 9 ATP, 6 NADPH
  • B: 6 CO2, 18 ATP, 12 NADPH
  • C: 6 CO2, 9 ATP, 6 NADPH
  • D: 1 CO2, 9 ATP, 6 NADPH

Explanation

According to the text, 1 molecule of G3P requires 3 CO2, 9 ATP, and 6 NADPH. Since 1 molecule of glucose is synthesized from 2 molecules of G3P, the total requirements are: 2 3 CO2 = 6 CO2; 2 9 ATP = 18 ATP; 2 6 NADPH = 12 NADPH.