Question

How are NADPH and G3P molecules, produced during photosynthesis, similar?

a) Both act as electron carriers
b) Both are involved in the Calvin cycle
c) Both release oxygen as a byproduct
d) Both are produced in the thylakoid membrane

Answer 1

NADPH and G3P molecules are similar because they both store energy in chemical bonds, are products of the Calvin cycle. The correct answer is option b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The NADPH and G3P molecules produced during photosynthesis are similar because they both store energy in chemical bonds. NADPH is produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis and is particularly crucial as an electron carrier.

It carries electrons and hydrogen ions (as a part of its hydrogen atom) to the Calvin cycle, which is also where G3P is produced. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) is a three-carbon sugar that is the product of the Calvin cycle. This cycle uses the energy from ATP and the reducing power of electrons carried by NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into G3P.

While NADPH is involved in the reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) into G3P, it itself is oxidized to NADP+ and returns to the light-dependent reactions to be reenergized. Thus, while both NADPH and G3P are products of the Calvin cycle, they play different roles in the storage and transfer of energy within the photosynthetic process.