How many Calvin cycles are required to produce 5 molecules of glucose ?

Options

A. 60
B. 15
C. 30
D. 90

Answer

To determine how many Calvin cycles are required to produce 5 molecules of glucose, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Calvin Cycle**: The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms. It is responsible for converting carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

2. **Know the Requirements for Glucose Production**: Each molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) requires 6 carbon atoms. Therefore, to produce 5 molecules of glucose, we need:
\[ 5 \text{ glucose} \times 6 \text{ carbon atoms/glucose} = 30 \text{ carbon atoms} \]

3. **Calvin Cycle and Carbon Fixation**: Each turn of the Calvin cycle fixes one carbon atom. Therefore, to fix 30 carbon atoms, we need:
\[ 30 \text{ carbon atoms} \div 1 \text{ carbon atom/cycle} = 30 \text{ cycles} \]

4. **Conclusion**: Thus, to produce 5 molecules of glucose, 30 Calvin cycles are required.

### Final Answer:
The number of Calvin cycles required to produce 5 molecules of glucose is **30**.

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