If a C4 plant is synthesizing one molecule of glucose, how many additional ATP molecules are specifically required for the C4 pathway itself, beyond those for the Calvin cycle?

2 views 0 helpful Updated Jul 29, 2026
Appears in NEET UG
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A6 ATP
  • B12 ATP
  • C18 ATP
  • D30 ATP
Explanation

For each CO2 molecule fixed via the C4 pathway, 2 ATP molecules are consumed to regenerate PEP from pyruvate in the mesophyll cells (catalyzed by pyruvate phosphate dikinase). Since 6 CO2 molecules are needed for one glucose, 6 * 2 = 12 additional ATP molecules are required for the C4 pathway itself.

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