Calvin Cycle and Photosynthesis

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary related to the Calvin Cycle, alternative photosynthesis pathways, and the diversity of chlorophyll.

Calvin Cycle

A series of biochemical reactions in photosynthesis that convert carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

Rubisco

An enzyme that fixes carbon dioxide during the carbon fixation phase of the Calvin cycle.

CO₂ fixation

The process by which carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds, primarily by living organisms.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)

A three-carbon sugar produced during the second phase of the Calvin cycle that can be converted into glucose.

ATP

A molecule that carries energy within cells, used in the Calvin cycle for energy in the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to G3P.

NADPH

A reduced form of NADP+ that provides the reducing power for the biosynthetic reactions in the Calvin cycle.

C4 photosynthesis

A photosynthetic pathway that allows plants to efficiently fix carbon in hot climates, reducing photorespiration.

Photorespiration

A process in which rubisco fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, leading to a waste of energy.

CAM photosynthesis

A photosynthetic adaptation in some plants that minimizes water loss by fixing carbon at night.

Stomata

Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange with the environment.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants that is essential for photosynthesis, absorbing light energy.

Spectra of absorption

Different wavelengths of light that chlorophyll types absorb, allowing organisms to exploit various light conditions.

Zooxanthellae

Symbiotic algae that live within coral polyps and perform photosynthesis.