11.3: Photosynthesis: The Light-independent reaction

Question 1

Process of the LIDR

Answer 1

1. CO2 enters the leaf and into the stroma
2. In the stroma, CO2 reacts with Ribulose Bisphosphate (RUBP) which is catalysed by Rubisco. This forms Glycerate-3-Phosphate (GP)
3. Reduced NADP is used to reduce GP into Triose Phosphate (TP), using energy from ATP
4. NADP is re-formed and is reduced again in the LDR by accepting protons
5. Some Triose Phosphate molecules are converted into Starch, Lipids, cellulose etc
6. Most Triose Phosphate molecules are converted back into RuBP by using ATP

Question 2

Acronym for the reaction

Answer 2

CO2 + RuBP

(Rubisco)

GP

(NADP)

TP

(NADP reformed by protons)

Starch + RuBP