The Calvin Cycle
SLCC BIOL Videos・2 minutes read
The Calvin cycle in photosynthesis uses ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules crucial for living organisms. It has three phases - carbon fixation, reduction, and RuBP regeneration - producing glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate for glucose synthesis with five molecules needed for RuBP regeneration.
Insights
- The Calvin cycle, a crucial part of photosynthesis, involves three key phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of RuBP. These processes collectively transform inorganic carbon dioxide into essential organic molecules like glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate for glucose production.
- An enzyme called rubisco plays a vital role in the Calvin cycle by facilitating carbon fixation, where carbon dioxide combines with RuBP to kickstart the process. This cycle's efficiency lies in its ability to recycle RuBP molecules, ensuring a continuous supply for further carbon fixation, ultimately contributing significantly to the biomass of diverse organisms.
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Recent questions
What is the Calvin cycle?
The Calvin cycle is the second phase of photosynthesis, utilizing stored energy to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
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Summary
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Calvin Cycle: Photosynthesis Phase for Organic Molecules
- The Calvin cycle is the second phase of photosynthesis, requiring stored energy in the form of ATP and NADPH obtained during the light-dependent reactions. Carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules, crucial for the biosphere as it incorporates inorganic carbon into living organisms.
- The Calvin cycle is divided into three main phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). To produce one molecule of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate for glucose synthesis, six molecules are needed, with five used for RuBP regeneration.
- Carbon fixation, the first stage of the Calvin cycle, is facilitated by the enzyme rubisco, which combines carbon dioxide with RuBP to form a six-carbon molecule. Reduction follows, where three-phosphoglycerate is converted to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate using electrons from ATP and NADPH, essential for glucose production. Regeneration of RuBP involves rearranging five three-carbon molecules to form three five-carbon RuBP molecules, completing the cycle responsible for the majority of biomass in various organisms.
