The Calvin Cycle

Front

What is the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The Calvin Cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms, where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

Front

What is RuBP?

Back

Ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) is a 5-carbon sugar that combines with carbon dioxide in the Calvin Cycle to eventually form glucose.

Front

What role does G3P play in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) is a 3-carbon sugar produced in the Calvin Cycle that can be used to form glucose and regenerate RuBP.

Front

How many ATP molecules are used in the Calvin Cycle to regenerate RuBP?

Back

Three ATP molecules are used to regenerate RuBP from G3P in the Calvin Cycle.

Front

What is the primary function of the Calvin Cycle?

Back

The primary function of the Calvin Cycle is to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, which can be used as energy by the plant.

Front

Where do the dark reactions of photosynthesis occur?

Back

The dark reactions, or Calvin Cycle, occur in the stroma of chloroplasts.

Front

What happens to G3P molecules after glucose is formed?

Back

Some G3P molecules are used to regenerate RuBP, while others can be used to synthesize glucose and other carbohydrates.

Front

How many carbon dioxide molecules are required to produce one glucose molecule in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

Six carbon dioxide molecules are required to produce one glucose molecule in the Calvin Cycle.

Front

What effect do high temperatures have on the Calvin Cycle?

Back

High temperatures can slow down the Calvin Cycle because they can denature enzymes involved in the process.

Front

What is the role of NADPH in the Calvin Cycle?

Back

NADPH provides the reducing power needed to convert 3-PGA into G3P during the Calvin Cycle.