Question

The light-independent reactions of plants function to make organic molecules using carbon dioxide as a carbon source. What is the electron source that helps reduce carbon dioxide to sugars and other organic molecules?

Answer 1

NADPH

Step-by-step explanation:

The term "dark reactions" of photosynthesis refers to carbohydrate biosynthesis reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts. These reactions are catalyzed by a series of soluble enzymes, collectively known as the "Calvin-Benson cycle". Carbohydrate biosynthesis can occur in the absence of photosynthetic electronic transport.

The use of NADPH produced during photosynthetic electronic transport. Sugars biosynthesis requires a source of electrons to reduce carbon dioxide to carbohydrates. The supply comes from the oxidation of NADPH produced during photosynthetic electronic transport.

The use of CO2 for glucose synthesis. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is converted to glucose during the Calvin-Benson cycle. This requires the total reduction of CO2, using the available electrons from the oxidation of NADPH. Thus, dark reactions represent a redox route. NADPH is oxidized to NADP + and CO2 is reduced to glucose.