Calvin Cycle

Question 1

What are the Products of the Calvin Cycle?

Answer 1

Pairs of TP molecules make hexoses

Glucose can be isomerised into fructose

Glucose and fructose combine to make
sucrose for translocation

Hexoses can be polymerised into
polysaccharides, starch and cellulose

TP can be used to make amino acids and
fatty acids

TP can be converted into glycerol, this can
then combine with the fatty acids from GP to
produce lipids

Question 2

What are some Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 2

The main factors are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature, known as limiting factors.

As light intensity increases, the rate of the
light-dependent reaction, and therefore photosynthesis generally, increases proportionately.

As light intensity is increased however, the rate of photosynthesis is eventually limited by some other factor.

Chlorophyll a is used in both photosystems. The wavelength of light is also important.

PSI absorbs energy most efficiently at 700 nm and PSII at 680 nm. Light with a high proportion of energy concentrated in these wavelengths will produce a high rate of photosynthesis.