Calvin Cycle Basics
This biochemical cycle, named after an American scientist, is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules during photosynthesis.
Calvin Cycle
This three-carbon molecule is the direct product of the Calvin Cycle and is used to form glucose and other biomolecules.
(Answer: G3P)
Because the Calvin Cycle does not require light to function, it is sometimes referred to by this alternate name.
(Answer: Dark reaction)
The Calvin Cycle consists of these three main phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and this final phase where RuBP is regenerated.
(Answer: Regeneration)
This carbon fixation pathway, used by desert plants, allows them to store carbon dioxide at night and use it during the day.
(Answer: CAM photosynthesis)
The reactions of the Calvin Cycle take place in this fluid-filled part of the chloroplast, surrounding the thylakoids.
(Answer: Stroma)
In the carbon fixation step of the Calvin Cycle, CO₂ combines with this five-carbon compound to start the cycle.
(Answer: RuBP)
This molecule is regenerated at the end of the Calvin Cycle to continue the process of carbon fixation.
(Answer: RuBP)
Plants that rely solely on the Calvin Cycle for carbon fixation are classified under this group.
(Answer: C3 plants)
The glucose produced through the Calvin Cycle is later broken down in this cellular process to generate ATP.
(Answer: Cellular respiration)
This key enzyme catalyzes the first step of the Calvin Cycle by fixing carbon dioxide onto RuBP.
RuBisCO
Unlike the light-dependent reactions, the Calvin Cycle does not require this external energy source.
(Answer: Light)
The Calvin Cycle occurs in these types of organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis.
(Answer: Autotrophs)
The total number of ATP molecules required to synthesize one glucose molecule through the Calvin Cycle.
(Answer: 18 ATP)
In dry environments, plants close these microscopic openings to prevent water loss, reducing CO₂ intake.
(Answer: Stomata)
The Calvin Cycle is powered by this high-energy molecule produced during the light-dependent reactions.
(Answer: ATP)
The Calvin Cycle must turn this many times to produce one molecule of glucose.
(Answer: Six)
The ATP and NADPH needed for the Calvin Cycle are generated during this stage of photosynthesis.
(Answer: Light-dependent reactions)
During this phase of the Calvin Cycle, NADPH donates electrons to convert 3-PGA into G3P.
(Answer: Reduction phase)
This molecule, produced by the Calvin Cycle, serves as the foundation for making lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides.
(Answer: G3P)
This electron carrier provides the reducing power needed for the Calvin Cycle to produce sugar precursors.
(Answer: NADPH)
Some plants use an alternative carbon fixation pathway that initially stores CO₂ as a four-carbon compound before entering the Calvin Cycle.
(Answer: C4 or CAM pathway)
This atmospheric gas serves as the primary carbon source for the Calvin Cycle.
(Answer: Carbon dioxide)
In hot, dry conditions, this enzyme mistakenly binds to oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to photorespiration.
(Answer: RuBisCO)
This scientist won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1961 for his discovery of the Calvin Cycle.
(Answer: Melvin Calvin)