Main Answer:
Phosphoglycolate has one carbon atom, evident from its exclusion in the light-independent reactions, distinguishing it in photosynthesis. b) Phosphoglycolate has one carbon atom.
Therefore, the correct answer is b) Phosphoglycolate has one carbon atom.
Explanation:
The equation provided illustrates the reaction in which oxygen interacts with ribulose bisphosphate to yield glycerate 3-phosphate and phosphoglycolate. In this context, phosphoglycolate is a molecule that contains only one carbon atom. This conclusion can be drawn by examining the reactants and products involved in the given chemical equation.
When oxygen reacts with ribulose bisphosphate, it leads to the formation of glycerate 3-phosphate and phosphoglycolate. Glycerate 3-phosphate, a key intermediate in the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions of photosynthesis), contains three carbon atoms. However, the phosphoglycolate produced in this reaction takes no active part in the light-independent reactions. As a result, phosphoglycolate is a molecule separate from the carbon fixation process, and it consists of only one carbon atom.
Understanding the composition of phosphoglycolate is crucial in the context of photosynthesis, as it highlights the fate of certain molecules within the biochemical pathways. In this case, the simplicity of phosphoglycolate with just one carbon atom distinguishes it from the more complex compounds involved in the Calvin cycle. This knowledge contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes underlying photosynthesis.
Therefore, the correct answer is b) Phosphoglycolate has one carbon atom.