Answer :
Final answer:
PGA (3-phosphoglycerate) is the metabolic intermediate of the light-independent reactions in photosynthesis. It is produced when carbon dioxide combines with RuBP. Then, PGA is converted to G3P, which leads to the formation of sugars.
Explanation:
Understanding Metabolic Intermediates in Photosynthesis
The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, play a crucial role in photosynthesis by converting carbon dioxide into organic molecules. One key metabolic intermediate in this process is 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA). During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide combines with ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) in a reaction facilitated by the enzyme RuBisCO, producing PGA as the first stable product.
PGA is then converted into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) using energy from ATP and reducing power from NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions. RuBP must be continuously regenerated to keep the Calvin cycle functioning, indicating the importance of PGA as one of the initial products of this cycle.
Conclusion
In summary, among the options provided, the compound that serves as a metabolic intermediate in the light-independent reactions is PGA.
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