Calvin Cycle 2 Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the Calvin Cycle?
The part of photosynthesis that doesn’t need light
It occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast and is crucial for building glucose.
Where does the Calvin Cycle take place?
In the stroma of the chloroplast
This is the fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids.
What is the main job of the Calvin Cycle?
To take in carbon dioxide and use ATP and NADPH to build glucose
ATP and NADPH are produced in the light reactions of photosynthesis.
What sugar does carbon dioxide join with in the Calvin Cycle?
RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate)
RuBP is a five-carbon sugar that plays a key role in carbon fixation.
What enzyme is responsible for the initial step of the Calvin Cycle?
RuBisCO
RuBisCO catalyzes the reaction between carbon dioxide and RuBP.
What type of molecule is formed when carbon dioxide joins with RuBP?
A short-lived 6-carbon molecule
This molecule quickly breaks down into two 3-carbon molecules.
What are the two 3-carbon molecules produced in the Calvin Cycle called?
3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)
These molecules are further processed in the cycle.
What are the products used to convert 3-carbon molecules into G3P?
ATP and NADPH
These are energy carriers produced in the light reactions.
What happens to some of the G3P produced in the Calvin Cycle?
It leaves the cycle to help make glucose
G3P is a direct precursor to glucose and other carbohydrates.
What happens to the rest of the G3P in the Calvin Cycle?
It regenerates RuBP
This regeneration allows the cycle to continue.
How many turns of the Calvin Cycle are needed to make one glucose molecule?
Six turns
Each turn fixes one carbon from CO₂.
Fill in the blank: The Calvin Cycle uses _______ and _______ to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
ATP and NADPH
These molecules are essential for the energy-intensive conversion process.
