Describe the main steps involved in the Calvin cycle and summarise the main purpose of each of them.
Question
Describe the main steps involved in the Calvin cycle and summarise the main purpose of each of them.
Solution
The Calvin cycle, also known as the Calvin-Benson cycle, is the set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts during photosynthesis. The cycle is light-independent because it takes place after the energy has been captured from sunlight. The main steps of the Calvin cycle are:
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Carbon Fixation: The enzyme RuBisCO catalyses the fixation of atmospheric CO2 to a five-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP). This results in a six-carbon compound that immediately splits into two molecules of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).
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Reduction: ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions are used to convert 3-PGA into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). This is a reduction reaction because it involves the gain of electrons (hydrogen ions).
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Regeneration of RuBP: ATP is used to convert some of the G3P molecules back into RuBP. This allows the cycle to continue.
The main purpose of the Calvin cycle is to convert carbon dioxide into sugar, which the plant can then use for energy. The cycle also regenerates the RuBP needed for carbon fixation, making it a self-sustaining process.
Similar Questions
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The products of light reactions ATP and NADPH are used in which of the following phases of Calvin cycle.
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