Which structural compartment within the chloroplast is the specific site for the light-independent enzymatic reactions (Calvin cycle) of photosynthesis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Stroma
- Step 1: Photosynthesis is divided into light-dependent photochemical reactions and light-independent enzymatic dark reactions.
- Step 2: The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes and stroma lamellae where pigments, electron carriers, and ATP synthase are located.
- Step 3: The stroma contains all the soluble enzymes required for carbon fixation, including RuBisCO and enzymes of the Calvin-Benson cycle.
Answer
Stroma
Why not the others: 'Thylakoid lumen' is the site of water photolysis and proton accumulation; 'Inner chloroplast membrane' regulates metabolite transport via translocators but lacks Calvin cycle enzymes; 'Intermembrane space' separates the outer and inner envelope membranes and plays no role in carbon fixation.
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