Photosynthesis and Carbon Fixation

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the processes of photosynthesis, particularly the Calvin cycle, carbon fixation, and different adaptations in plants.

Calvin cycle

A series of biochemical reactions in photosynthesis where carbon dioxide is fixed and reduced to produce carbohydrates.

RuBP carboxylase

An enzyme that fixes carbon dioxide to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) during the Calvin cycle.

G3P

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a three-carbon sugar produced during the Calvin cycle.

C4 plants

Plants that fix carbon dioxide into a four-carbon compound first, which is later released to the Calvin cycle.

PEPCase

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, an enzyme in C4 plants that helps fix carbon dioxide.

photorespiration

A process occurring in plants where oxygen is taken up and carbon dioxide is released, often leading to a waste of energy.

CAM plants

Plants that fix carbon dioxide at night and use it during the day to minimize water loss.

ATP and NADPH

Energy-carrying molecules produced in the light reactions of photosynthesis, used in the Calvin cycle.

mesophyll cells

Cells in leaves where initial carbon fixation occurs in C4 plants.

bundle sheath cells

Cells surrounding the vascular tissue in C4 plants where the Calvin cycle takes place after carbon fixation.