Question

Explain how the reduced coenzyme produced in photosynthesis is used. (2)

a) The reduced coenzyme is stored for later use in cellular respiration.
b) The reduced coenzyme is used to convert glucose into water.
c) The reduced coenzyme is used to power the light-dependent reaction.
d) The reduced coenzyme is involved in the conversion of glycerate 3-phosphate into triose phosphate.

Answer 1

The reduced coenzymes produced in photosynthesis, ATP and NADPH, are used in the light-independent reactions to convert 3-PGA into G3P through a reduction reaction. ATP releases energy and loses a phosphate atom, converting into ADP. NADPH loses energy and a hydrogen atom, converting into NADP+.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reduced coenzyme produced in photosynthesis, particularly ATP and NADPH, are used in the light-independent reactions or Calvin cycle to convert the three-carbon compound, 3-PGA, into a chemical called glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). This process is a reduction reaction, where electrons are gained by 3-PGA. ATP releases energy with the loss of a phosphate atom, converting it into ADP. NADPH loses both energy and a hydrogen atom, converting it into NADP+. Both ATP and NADPH are then reused and re-energized in the light-dependent reactions.