Understanding the Calvin Cycle

Front

What is the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The Calvin Cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms, where carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules using ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions.

Front

What is the primary function of ATP in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

ATP provides the energy required for the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a key step in the Calvin Cycle.

Front

What is the primary function of NADPH in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

NADPH provides the reducing power (electrons) needed to convert 3-phosphoglycerate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate.

Front

Where does the Calvin Cycle take place?

Back

The Calvin Cycle takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts.

Front

What are the three main phases of the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The three main phases are carbon fixation, reduction phase, and regeneration of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).

Front

What is carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

Carbon fixation is the process of converting inorganic carbon dioxide into organic molecules, specifically 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA), using the enzyme RuBisCO.

Front

What is the role of RuBisCO in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

RuBisCO is the enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin Cycle, fixing carbon dioxide to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) to form 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).

Front

How does the Calvin Cycle contribute to the overall process of photosynthesis?

Back

The Calvin Cycle synthesizes glucose and other carbohydrates from carbon dioxide, using the energy and reducing power provided by ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.

Front

What is the relationship between the Calvin Cycle and Light Reactions in terms of energy?

Back

The Calvin Cycle relies on ATP and NADPH produced during the Light Reactions to drive the synthesis of organic molecules.

Front

Can the Calvin Cycle occur at night?

Back

Yes, the Calvin Cycle can occur both during the day and at night, as long as ATP and NADPH are available.