Which one of the following statements about the Calvin cycle is correct?
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 14
Which one of the following statements about the Calvin cycle is correct?
A. It is light-independent.
B. It requires glucose as an input.
C. It only occurs in complet... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which one of the following statements about the Calvin cycle is correct?
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. It is light-independent.
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Answer
The Calvin cycle is indeed light-independent as it does not require direct sunlight to occur. It utilizes the products of the light-dependent reactions (ATP and NADPH) that are generated in the chloroplasts during photosynthesis. Therefore, this statement is correct.
Step 2
B. It requires glucose as an input.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. The Calvin cycle does not require glucose as an input; rather, it uses carbon dioxide to synthesize glucose. Glucose is a product of the Calvin cycle, not a reactant.
Step 3
C. It only occurs in complete darkness.
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This statement is misleading; while the Calvin cycle does not occur in the presence of light directly, it can function in low light conditions as long as the necessary ATP and NADPH are available. Thus, it does not strictly require complete darkness.
Step 4
D. It only occurs when the humidity is high.
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This statement is also not accurate. The Calvin cycle's operation is more dependent on the availability of carbon dioxide and is not directly influenced by humidity levels. Generally, high humidity can affect the overall process of photosynthesis by influencing stomatal opening, yet it is not a definitive factor for the Calvin cycle to occur.