Question

The light-independent reactions of plants function to make organic molecules (like glucose) using carbon dioxide as a carbon source. What is the energy source that helps to make these organic molecules?

Answer 1

The ATP and NADPH, produced by the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, serve as energy sources for the light-independent reactions, which convert atmospheric CO₂ into organic molecules like glucose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy source that helps to make organic molecules such as glucose during the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis is ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These two energy-carrying molecules are produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where energy from sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll.

The high-energy molecules ATP and NADPH then provide the necessary power for the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin Cycle, where carbon fixation occurs. This cycle uses the energy from ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 from the atmosphere into carbohydrates, including glucose. The enzyme RuBisCO plays a crucial role in this process by catalyzing the reaction between CO2 and RuBP (ribulose biphosphate).