Answer :
Final answer:
The compound that acts as a metabolic intermediate in the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) of photosynthesis is 3-PGA. This compound is produced when RuBP reacts with CO2. It is then converted into G3P, which is essential for glucose production.
Explanation:
Metabolic Intermediates in Light-Independent Reactions
The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, also known as the Calvin cycle, convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds using energy from ATP and reducing power from NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions. The key metabolic intermediate associated with this process is 3-PGA (3-phosphoglycerate). In this process, ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) reacts with CO2 to form 3-PGA.
Conversion Process
The 3-PGA molecules are then reduced to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) using ATP and NADPH:
PGA + NADPH + ATP —> G3P + NADP+ + ADP + Pi
This conversion is crucial for synthesizing carbohydrates and is a significant step in the overall process of photosynthesis.
Learn more about photosynthesis here:
https://brainly.com/question/29764662