Answer :
Final answer:
In the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle), the compound that serves as a metabolic intermediate is PGA (3-phosphoglycerate). RuBP is important for the cycle, but PGA is the intermediate that results from carbon fixation. ATP and NADPH play supporting roles by providing energy and electrons.
Explanation:
Metabolic Intermediates of Light-Independent Reactions
The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, occur in the stroma of chloroplasts and are responsible for converting carbon dioxide into glucose using ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions. A key metabolic intermediate in this cycle is 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA), which is formed when ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) reacts with carbon dioxide. PGA is then further processed to eventually form glucose.
Another important compound in this process is ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), which is regenerated at the end of the Calvin cycle. While ATP and NADPH are critical for providing energy and reducing power, respectively, it is PGA that serves as the immediate product of carbon fixation.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer to the question is PGA, as it is the metabolic intermediate directly formed during the light-independent reactions.
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