Answer :
Final answer:
The metabolic intermediate of the light-independent reactions in photosynthesis is PGA, or 3-phosphoglycerate. It forms during the Calvin Cycle as carbon dioxide is fixed into an organic molecule. RuBP, ATP, and NADPH serve different roles in this process, but PGA is the intermediate formed directly in the Calvin Cycle.
Explanation:
Understanding Metabolic Intermediates in Photosynthesis
In the process of photosynthesis, there are two main stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin Cycle). The key metabolic intermediate that arises during the light-independent reactions is PGA (3-phosphoglycerate).
PGA is formed when carbon dioxide is fixed into an organic molecule during the Calvin Cycle. It is important to distinguish this from other compounds such as RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate), which is a substrate that is regenerated during the cycle, and acts as an accepting molecule for carbon dioxide.
ATP and NADPH are produced during the light-dependent reactions and provide the energy and reducing power, respectively, needed for the Calvin Cycle to convert PGA into glucose and other carbohydrates. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is PGA.
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