Question
where do the carbons in the carbohydrates (sugar) that are made during photosynthesis come from?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
During photosynthesis, the carbon atoms in carbohydrates (such as sugars) originate from carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where light energy is captured by chlorophyll.
The process can be summarized in two main stages:
1. **Light-dependent reactions**: These reactions capture sunlight and use it to produce energy-rich compounds (ATP and NADPH) and oxygen, but they don't involve carbon fixation.
2. **Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions)**: In this cycle, carbon dioxide from the air is taken up by the plant and incorporated into organic molecules. The carbon dioxide is fixed into a stable intermediate through a series of enzymatic reactions, ultimately leading to the production of glucose and other carbohydrates.
So, the carbon in the sugars produced during photosynthesis comes directly from carbon dioxide, which is absorbed from the atmosphere.
The process can be summarized in two main stages:
1. **Light-dependent reactions**: These reactions capture sunlight and use it to produce energy-rich compounds (ATP and NADPH) and oxygen, but they don't involve carbon fixation.
2. **Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions)**: In this cycle, carbon dioxide from the air is taken up by the plant and incorporated into organic molecules. The carbon dioxide is fixed into a stable intermediate through a series of enzymatic reactions, ultimately leading to the production of glucose and other carbohydrates.
So, the carbon in the sugars produced during photosynthesis comes directly from carbon dioxide, which is absorbed from the atmosphere.