Question

The number of ATP molecules required for the complete assimilation of one molecule of CO\(_2\) in the Calvin cycle is ______.

Hint:

For each CO\(_2\) molecule fixed in the Calvin cycle, 3 ATP molecules are consumed in the reduction phase.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

In the Calvin cycle, for every molecule of CO\(_2\) assimilated, 3 ATP molecules are required. This process occurs during the reduction phase of the cycle, where ATP is used to convert 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. Thus, the number of ATP molecules required for the complete assimilation of one molecule of CO\(_2\) is 3.