Answer: PGA (3-phosphoglycerate).
- A Glucose, formed directly in a single step
- B Sucrose, exported immediately to the phloem
- C PGA (3-phosphoglycerate)
- D Oxaloacetate, formed in C4 mesophyll cells
Correct answer: C. PGA (3-phosphoglycerate)
Explanation: In the Calvin cycle, CO2 + RuBP → 2 molecules of PGA (3-phosphoglycerate, a 3-carbon compound). Hence called C3 pathway.
Simplified photosynthesis diagram: light energy, CO2, and H2O enter the leaf and are converted in the chloroplast into glucose and O2.
Concept context
Light reactions, the Calvin cycle, C 3 /C 4 /CAM pathways, photorespiration, and factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis. One of the highest-yield NEET chapters.