High School

Reduction (Step 2 of the Calvin Cycle) occurs in two steps:

A. Reduction of PGA to G3P

B. Reduction of G3P to RuBP

Answer :

Final answer:

The correct step in the reduction phase of the Calvin Cycle is the reduction of PGA to G3P using electrons supplied by NADPH, making (a) the right answer.

Explanation:

The student's question refers to step 2 of the Calvin Cycle, which is the reduction phase. During this stage, 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) undergoes a two-step process to be reduced to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P).

The correct sequence in the reduction phase of the Calvin Cycle is as follows:

  1. Reduction of PGA to G3P using electrons supplied by NADPH.
  2. Conversion of G3P into RuBP is not part of the reduction phase; instead, it occurs in the subsequent regeneration phase of the cycle.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is:
a) Reduction of PGA to G3P. This reduction involves ATP and NADPH, and is essential for the production of carbohydrate molecules from G3P.