calvin cycle steps

What is step one of the calvin cycle

carbon fixation

what happens in carbon fixation

RuBisCO, an enzyme, catalyzes the reaction between CO2 and RuBP, initiating the cycle.

The initial six-carbon molecule is unstable and quickly breaks down into two molecules of 3-PGA.

This step is crucial because it introduces carbon from the environment into the cycle.

what is step two in the calvin cycle

reduction

what happens in reduction

3-PGA is converted to G3P, a three-carbon sugar, through a series of reactions that consume ATP and NADPH.

This step uses the energy stored in ATP and NADPH, which were generated during the light-dependent reactions.

G3P is the first stable intermediate produced in the cycle and can be used to create other organic molecules, including glucose.

what is the third step of the calvin cycle

regeneration

What happens in regeneration

Most of the G3P molecules are used to regenerate RuBP, ensuring the cycle can continue.

This process requires ATP to convert G3P back into RuBP.

With RuBP regenerated, the cycle is ready to accept more CO2 and begin another round of carbon fixation.