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Which equation best represents the carbon fixation (Calvin) cycle?

a) CO₂ + H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂
b) 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
c) C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O
d) C₆H₁₂O₆ + H₂O → CO₂ + O₂

User Mralexlau
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Final answer:

The Calvin cycle, part of photosynthesis, converts CO2 and H2O into glucose using energy from the light-dependent reactions. Option (b) provides the overall photosynthesis equation, which is not exclusive to the Calvin cycle. None of the options represent the Calvin cycle alone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Calvin cycle, also known as carbon fixation, is the set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts during photosynthesis. The cycle is light-independent and uses ATP and NADPH, produced by the light-dependent reactions, to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. However, the equation for the Calvin cycle is not explicitly represented in the options provided. Among the choices, option (b) 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ is the overall equation for photosynthesis, which encompasses both the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. It's important to note that none of the choices perfectly match the Calvin cycle alone, as the cycle involves multiple steps and does not directly produce oxygen.

User Stimmot
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