Carly P. answered • 11/08/19
Experienced High School Teacher Specializing in STEM Fields
The first step to tackling this problem is to recall what the light independent reactions actually are so we can eliminate answer choices. Remember, that light independent reaction does NOT require light and is sometimes referred to as the Calvin cycle or dark reactions. This process takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast. This process is also known as carbon fixation, where CO2 is used with other molecules (ATP and NADPH) to create glucose. The cycle must repeat itself 6 times before a molecule of glucose can be made. All of the information I presented to you is at the "memorization" level of learning- I usually tell my students to make flashcards to help them with this type of studying.
Which is not true regarding the light-independent reactions?
These reactions convert carbon dioxide into glucose molecules.- This statement is true. During the light-independent reactions, ATP and NADPH (from light dependent reaction) and 3 molecules of CO2 are used to create glucose. This type of answer is based being able to recall specific information- use flashcards to help you memorize this type of information.
These reactions require ATP and NADPH made in the light-dependent reactions. This statement is true. During the light-independent reactions, ATP and NADPH (from light dependent reaction) and 3 molecules of CO2 are used to create glucose. This type of answer is based being able to recall specific information- use flashcards to help you memorize this information.
These reactions take place in the chloroplasts. This choice was a little tricky, if you know that this process takes place in the stroma you may have forgotten that the stroma was in the chloroplast.
These reactions occur using three O2 molecules at a time. This choice was wrong- it uses 3 CO2 molecules at a time. This choice was kind of the opposite of the correct answer. I like to think of oxygen and carbon dioxide as opposites.
As a former teacher, I can tell you that most questions about photosynthesis and cellular respiration are going to be memorization types of questions rather than concept questions. It's important that you know the steps, what happens, what is used, and what is made for each process- use flashcards!
Good Luck!
Carly
