Steps of Calvin Cycle
The Calvin Cycle that takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts during photosynthesis. It converts carbon dioxide and energy from light-dependent reactions into glucose and other sugars. The Calvin cycle steps are as follows:
Stage 1: Carbon Fixation
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is combined with ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) which is a five-carbon compound.
- The enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) catalyzes this reaction.
- The six-carbon compound splits into two three-carbon molecules, 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).
Stage 2: Reduction
- ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions provide energy and electrons.
- A series of chemical reactions convert each molecule of 3-PGA into another three-carbon molecule, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P).
- This step involves phosphorylation and reduction processes.
Stage 3: Regeneration of RuBP
- Some of the G3P molecules produced in the previous step are used to regenerate RuBP, the starting molecule of the cycle, and some of the G3P molecules are used to produce glucose.
- This is important to keep the cycle running and continue carbon fixation.
Calvin Cycle – Diagram, Stages, Functions and Equations
Calvin Cycle is the biochemical pathway in the plants responsible for synthesizing glucose using carbon dioxide and the energy obtained from sunlight. The Calvin cycle steps include carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration. The final Calvin Cycle product is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) molecules. The cycle helps plants store energy and form sugar, supporting their growth and survival. This article covers the Calvin Cycle explained – definition, steps, diagram, and products.
Table of Content
- What is the Calvin Cycle?
- Calvin Cycle Diagram
- Steps of Calvin Cycle
- Calvin Cycle Equation
- Calvin Cycle Products
- Regulation of Calvin Cycle
- Functions of Calvin Cycle
- Importance of Calvin Cycle