Photosynthesis: Light Reactions and the Calvin Cycle

Flashcards covering the mechanisms of photosynthesis, specifically focusing on the light-dependent reactions and the three phases of the Calvin cycle.

What are the two types of electron flow mentioned in relation to light-dependent reactions?

Linear electron flow and Cyclic electron flow

Where are the light reactions specifically carried out within the chloroplast?

In the thylakoid membranes

What are the three main phases of the Calvin cycle?

1. Carboxylation, 2. Reduction, and 3. Regeneration of RuBP

What enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the carboxylation of RuBP?

rubisco

During the carboxylation phase, $CO_{2}$ is added to which 5-carbon compound?

RuBP (Ribulose bisphosphate)

What 3-carbon compound is produced as a result of carboxylation?

3-Phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)

Which two energy-carrying molecules produced in the light reactions are required for the reduction phase of the Calvin cycle?

$ATP$ and $NADPH$

What is the carbohydrate output that exits the Calvin cycle to form sugar?

Triose phosphate, also known as Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P)

For every three molecules of $CO_{2}$ that enter the Calvin cycle, how many G3P molecules exit to be used for the synthesis of glucose and other organic compounds?

1 G3P

In the regeneration phase, how many G3P molecules are reorganized to produce three molecules of RuBP?

Five G3P molecules

What byproduct is released when water ($H_{2}O$) is split during the light reactions?

$$O_{2}$$

Where in the chloroplast does the Calvin cycle take place?

The stroma

What molecules are returned to the light reactions from the Calvin cycle to be recharged?

$ADP$, inorganic phosphate ($P_{i}$), and $NADP^{+}$