How many extra ATP molecules are utilized per molecule of glucose that is synthesized in the C4 pathway?Group of answer choices

To determine the number of extra ATP molecules utilized per molecule of glucose synthesized in the C4 pathway, we need to understand the process of the C4 pathway and the ATP requirements involved.

1. The C4 pathway is a metabolic pathway found in certain plants, such as corn and sugarcane, that helps them efficiently fix carbon dioxide (CO2) and minimize water loss.

2. In the C4 pathway, carbon dioxide is initially fixed into a four-carbon compound called oxaloacetate (OAA) in the mesophyll cells of the plant.

3. OAA is then converted into malate or aspartate and transported to the bundle sheath cells, where it is decarboxylated to release CO2.

4. The released CO2 is then used in the Calvin cycle, a series of reactions that ultimately leads to the synthesis of glucose.

Now, let's consider the ATP requirements in the C4 pathway:

5. The initial fixation of CO2 into OAA in the mesophyll cells requires ATP. This step is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP carboxylase).

6. The transport of malate or aspartate from the mesophyll cells to the bundle sheath cells also requires ATP.

7. In the bundle sheath cells, the decarboxylation of malate or aspartate to release CO2 does not directly require ATP.

8. However, the subsequent Calvin cycle, which uses the released CO2 to synthesize glucose, requires ATP.

Based on these steps, we can conclude that the C4 pathway requires extra ATP molecules for the initial fixation of CO2 and the transport of malate or aspartate. The exact number of ATP molecules utilized per molecule of glucose synthesized in the C4 pathway may vary depending on the specific plant and environmental conditions.

Therefore, to determine the precise number of extra ATP molecules utilized per molecule of glucose in the C4 pathway, further research and experimentation would be required.