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Chapter 8: Problem 17

Which substance catalyzes carbon fixation? \(\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. }} & {3-\mathrm{PGA}} \\ {\text { b. }} & {\text { NADPH }} \\ {\text { C. }} & {\text { RuBisCO }} \\ {\text { d. }} & {\text { RuBP }}\end{array}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
RuBisCO

Step by step solution

01

Define Carbon Fixation

Carbon fixation is the process by which inorganic carbon (typically in the form of carbon dioxide) is converted into organic compounds by living organisms.
02

Identify the Key Enzyme

The enzyme responsible for catalyzing the carbon fixation reaction in the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis is ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase, commonly known as RuBisCO.
03

Evaluate the Options

Analyze the given choices to identify the substance that matches the description provided in Step 2. a. 3-PGA (3-phosphoglycerate) is a molecule produced in the Calvin cycle but does not catalyze carbon fixation. b. NADPH provides the reducing power in the Calvin cycle but is not an enzyme. c. RuBisCO is the enzyme that catalyzes the carbon fixation step of the Calvin cycle. d. RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate) is a substrate for the RuBisCO enzyme, not the enzyme itself.
04

Conclusion

RuBisCO is the enzyme that catalyzes the carbon fixation process.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Calvin cycle
The Calvin cycle is a vital process in photosynthesis. It occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts in plant cells.

This cycle uses ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to fix carbon dioxide and produce glucose.

The Calvin cycle has three main stages:

  • Carboxylation: The enzyme RuBisCO catalyzes the fixation of CO鈧� into an organic molecule.
  • Reduction: ATP and NADPH convert the fixed carbon into G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate).
  • Regeneration: Some G3P molecules are used to regenerate RuBP, allowing the cycle to continue.
Through these stages, the Calvin cycle helps convert inorganic carbon into energy-rich organic compounds that plants use for growth and development.
RuBisCO
RuBisCO, short for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase, is the key enzyme in carbon fixation.

It catalyzes the first major step of the Calvin cycle, where CO鈧� is attached to a 5-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).

RuBisCO is one of the most abundant enzymes on Earth due to its crucial role in photosynthesis.

There are a few important points to note about RuBisCO:
  • Its activity determines the rate of CO鈧� fixation and, consequently, the rate of photosynthesis.
  • Although RuBisCO is essential, it is not very efficient and sometimes fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to a less efficient process called photorespiration.
  • Research is ongoing to improve RuBisCO's efficiency to enhance crop yields and address food security issues.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a critical process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

This process supports almost all life on Earth by producing oxygen and organic compounds used as food by other organisms.

Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages:
  • Light-dependent reactions: These occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and convert light energy into ATP and NADPH.
  • Calvin cycle: This light-independent stage happens in the stroma of chloroplasts, using ATP and NADPH to fix CO鈧� into glucose.
Understanding photosynthesis helps us appreciate how nature harnesses light energy to sustain ecosystems and provides essential insights for enhancing agricultural practices.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the function of carotenoids in photosynthesis? a. They supplement chlorophyll absorption. b. They are visible in the fall during leaf color changes. c. They absorb excess energy and dissipate it as heat. d. They limit chlorophyll absorption.

What portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun has the least energy? a. gamma b. infrared c. radio d. X-rays

How do desert plants prevent water loss from the heat, which would compromise photosynthesis? a. by using CAM photosynthesis and by closing stomatal pores during the night b. by using CAM photosynthesis and by opening of stomatal pores during the night c. by using CAM photosynthesis and by keeping stomatal pores closed at all times d. by bypassing CAM photosynthesis and by keeping stomatal pores closed at night

Why does it take three turns of the Calvin cycle to produce G3P, the initial product of photosynthesis? a. To fix enough carbon to export one G3P molecule. b. To fix enough oxygen to export one G3P molecule. c. To produce RuBisCO as an end product. d. To produce ATP and NADPH for fixation of G3P.

What are the roles of ATP and NADPH in photosynthesis? a. ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light dependent reactions to be used in the light independent reactions that produce sugars. b. ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light independent reactions, to be used in the light dependent reactions that produce sugars. c. ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light dependent reactions to be used in the light independent reactions that produce proteins. d. ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light dependent reactions to be used in the light independent reactions that use sugars as reactants.
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