Calvin-Benson cycle

Definition

The Calvin-Benson cycle, also known as the Calvin cycle, is a series of biochemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts during photosynthesis. It is responsible for converting carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Calvin-Benson cycle consists of three main stages: carbon fixation, reduction phase, and regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP).
2. ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions are utilized in the Calvin-Benson cycle to drive the synthesis of glucose.
3. Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the key enzyme that catalyzes the first step of carbon fixation.
4. For every three molecules of CO2 that enter the cycle, one molecule of G3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate) is produced, which can be used to form glucose and other carbohydrates.
5. The Calvin-Benson cycle does not directly require light; however, it is indirectly dependent on light because it relies on ATP and NADPH generated by light-dependent reactions.

Review Questions

Related terms

Photosynthesis:

A process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Light-dependent Reactions: The set of reactions in photosynthesis that convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Chloroplast: An organelle found in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.