The light energy captured by chlorophyll a is initially in the form of electrons (and later a proton gradient) that's used to make molecules of ATP and NADPH which temporarily store and transport energy. Their energy is used in the light-independent reactions of the Calvin cycle by the enzyme rubisco to produce molecules of the 3-carbon sugar glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is the first product of photosynthesis and the raw material from which glucose and almost all other organic molecules of biological origin are synthesized. Some of the glucose is converted to starch which is stored in the chloroplast. Starch is the characteristic energy store of most land plants and algae, while inulin, a polymer of fructose is used for the same purpose in the sunflower family Asteraceae. Some of the glucose is converted to sucrose (common table sugar) for export to the rest of the plant. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is the function of ATP and NADPH molecules? ANS1 store and transport energy QSN2 When is the raw form of glucose formed? ANS2 first product of photosynthesis QSN3 What is stored in the chloroplast? ANS3 starch QSN4 What is used instead of glucose in sunflowers? ANS4 fructose QSN5 Why is table sugar produced? ANS5 for export to the rest of the plant