Calvin Cycle and Light Independent Reaction

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, phases, inputs, and outputs of the light independent reaction (Calvin Cycle).

Light Independent Reaction

Also known as the Calvin Cycle; a reaction taking place in the stoma that uses ATP and NADPH from the light dependent reaction as energy to form glucose.

Stomata

The structures in leaves through which $CO_2$ enters for use in the light independent reaction.

Inputs of Light Independent Reaction

$CO_2$, NADPH, and ATP.

Outputs of Light Independent Reaction

Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$), ADP, $NADP^+$, and P (Phosphate).

Phase 1: Fixation of carbon dioxide

The first phase of the Calvin Cycle where $3 \times CO_2$ combine with $3 \times RuBP$ to produce $6 \times 3\text{-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)}$.

Phase 2: Reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate to G3P

The second phase of the Calvin Cycle where $6 \times 3\text{-phosphoglycerate}$ are reduced using $6 \text{ ATP}$ and $6 \text{ NADPH}$ to yield $6 \times G3P$.

Phase 3: Regeneration of RuBP from G3P

The third phase of the Calvin Cycle where G3P is converted through Ribulose 5-phosphate back into $3 \times RuBP$.

3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)

A 3-carbon intermediate compound formed during Phase 1 (carbon dioxide fixation) of the Calvin Cycle.

G3P

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate; a 3-carbon molecule formed in Phase 2 of the Calvin Cycle that can be converted into sucrose or starch.