Photosynthesis Dark Reaction and Calvin Cycle

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the dark reaction and Calvin cycle in photosynthesis.

Dark Reaction

The stage of photosynthesis that occurs in the stroma, where carbon fixation takes place.

Rubisco

An enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin cycle by fixing carbon dioxide.

RuBP

Ribulose bisphosphate; a 5-carbon molecule that reacts with CO₂ in the Calvin cycle.

PGA

Phosphoglyceric acid; the 3-carbon compound formed when RuBP fixes CO₂.

G3P

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate; a 3-carbon sugar produced in the Calvin cycle.

NADPH

A reducing agent made from NADP+ that provides high-energy electrons for the Calvin cycle.

Calvin Cycle

A series of biochemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts, converting CO₂ into glucose.

Carbon Fixation

The process of converting inorganic carbon (CO₂) into organic compounds by living organisms.

ATP

A molecule that provides energy for many biochemical cellular processes, including the Calvin cycle.

C3 Plants

Plants that use the Calvin cycle for carbon fixation, resulting in a three-carbon compound.