The primary `CO_(2)` acceptor is a 3-C molecules present in the mesophyll cells in `C_(4)` pathway, called

Options

A. PGAL
B. PGA
C. PEP
D. OAA

Answer

To answer the question regarding the primary CO2 acceptor in the C4 pathway, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the C4 Pathway**:
- The C4 pathway is a photosynthetic process that occurs in certain plants, known as C4 plants, which include maize, sorghum, and sugarcane. This pathway is characterized by a unique leaf anatomy called Kranz anatomy.

**Hint**: Remember that C4 plants have a specific leaf structure that aids in their photosynthetic process.

2. **Identifying the Primary CO2 Acceptor**:
- In the C4 pathway, the primary CO2 acceptor is a 3-carbon molecule found in the mesophyll cells.

**Hint**: Focus on the fact that we are looking for a 3-carbon molecule that plays a crucial role in accepting CO2.

3. **Recognizing the Molecules Involved**:
- The options provided are PGAL, PGA, PEP, and OAA.
- PGAL (Phosphoglyceraldehyde) and PGA (Phosphoglycerate) are associated with the C3 pathway, not the C4 pathway.
- OAA (Oxaloacetic acid) is a 4-carbon compound formed after CO2 fixation in the C4 pathway.

**Hint**: Eliminate the options that are related to the C3 pathway and focus on the 3-carbon molecule that is specifically involved in the C4 pathway.

4. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- The correct answer is PEP (Phosphoenolpyruvate), which is the primary CO2 acceptor in the C4 pathway. It is present in the mesophyll cells and combines with CO2 to form a 4-carbon compound.

**Hint**: Recall that PEP is crucial for the initial step of CO2 fixation in the C4 pathway.

### Final Answer:
The primary CO2 acceptor in the C4 pathway, present in the mesophyll cells, is **Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)**.