BIOFOUND 3.6 Photosynthesis pt. 2

Carbon fixation

Phase 1 of the Calvin Cycle CO₂ + RuBP via Rubisco

Reduction

Phase 2 of the Calvin Cycle ATP & NADPH convert 3-PGA to G3P

Regeneration

Phase 3 of the Calvin Cycle Some G3P regenerates RuBP using ATP

Molecules IN the Calvin Cycle

3 CO₂, 9 ATP, 6 NADPH

Molecules OUT of the Calvin Cycle

1 G3P, 9 ADP, 6 NADP⁺

Rubisco's role

Enzyme that fixes CO₂ to RuBP, starting the Calvin Cycle

G3P in glycolysis

Intermediate in glycolysis; can become glucose or pyruvate

What can G3P become after photosynthesis?

Glucose for storage or pyruvate for the citric acid cycle

What is gluconeogenesis?

Making glucose from non-carb sources like pyruvate or G3P

Carbon capture reason #1

Makes sugars for energy and structure

Carbon capture reason #2

Builds biomass for plant growth

Carbon capture reason #3

Stores energy as starch

Carbon capture reason #4

Provides carbon for making amino acids, lipids, and more