Light-independent reactions

Where does the calvin cycle take place?

The stroma of the chloroplast

Carbon fixation

carbon dioxide is attached to RuBP by RuBP Carboxylase. It forms an unstable compound which breaks into two, 3-carbon molecules known as PGA

Reduction

ATP is turned into ADP and the phosphate is transferred to PGA. Then, PGA is reduced using energy from NADPH (which was oxidized to become NADH) PGA is turned into G3P (PGAL). The 6 CO₂ creates a total of 12 G3P. 10 are used in regeneration, but 2 G3P are used to make glucose. 3 CO₂ go through the calvin cycle at a time

Regeneration

Remaining G3P is phosphorylated to regenerate RuBP so the calvin cycle can keep going

What are the reactants and products of the calvin cycle?

Reactants- NADPH, ATP, CO₂, and RuBP

Products- NADH and ADP (return to LDR) , Glucose, and RuBP