Lesson 9: Light-Independent Reactions and the Calvin Cycle

Light-Independent Reactions

Reactions converting CO2 into glucose without light.

Stroma

Fluid-filled space in chloroplasts for reactions.

ATP

• the energy used in this cellular processes.

NADPH

• the electron carrier that reduces the power in reactions.

CO2 Assimilation

• when C02 is made into organic compounds

Calvin Cycle

Cyclical pathway for fixing carbon dioxide.

G3P

Intermediate product forming glucose from CO2.

RuBP

• the starting molecule regenerated in the Calvin Cycle.

rubisco

• the enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin Cycle.

Carbon Fixation

• CO2 combines with RuBP with the help of rubisco to form PGA.

Reduction Phase

PGA is converted into G3P using ATP and NADPH.

RuBP regeneration

• when G3P is converted back into RuBP to continue the cycle.

PGA

• the product of rubisco and RuBP binding together

Glucose

Primary energy source produced from G3P.

Sucrose

Disaccharide formed from polymerized G3P.

starch

• the molecule that stores extra glucose when photosynthesis is too much

Cellulose

• the structural component of plant cell walls from G3P.

Plant Oils

Lipids synthesized from G3P for energy storage.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds formed by combining G3P with nitrogen.

photosynthesis

• the process converting light energy into chemical energy.