Algal cultures in sealed containers were exposed to radiolabeled [¹⁴C] CO₂ for a brief incubation period of just a few seconds. Soluble molecules were extracted from the algae and subjected to 2D-paper chromatography. How many carbons are found in molecules from the most predominant spot on the chromatogram?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The radiolabeled compound is CO2 (carbon dioxide), which contains one carbon atom. During photosynthesis, algae fix CO2 into organic molecules. The most predominant initial product of CO2 fixation in many photosynthetic organisms, including algae, is phosphoglycerate, which contains 3 carbon atoms. Hence, the molecules from the most predominant spot would contain 3 carbons.

Algal Cultures in Sealed Containers Were Exposed to Radiolabeled [14C]

Algal Cultures in Sealed Containers Were Exposed to Radiolabeled [¹⁴C]