The Calvin Cycle AKA light independent reaction AKA dark reaction

The Calvin Cycle overview Second biochemical pathway of photosynthesis. Produces organic compounds (glucose) Uses ATP and NADPH for energy Named after Melvin Calvin. Has 3 main stages Occurs in the Stoma Melvin Calvin 1911-1997

Stage 1: Carbon Fixation Reactants: 6 CO2 is combined with 6RuBP (ribulose biphospate) RuBP: p-c-c-c-c-c-p The enzyme Rubisco (carbonxylase) is used Products: 12 PGA (has 3 carbons & 1 phosphate) Energy from 12 ATP & 12 NADPH

Stage 2: Reduction 2 PGAL molecules are used to make 1 Glucose (a 6 carbon sugar)

Stage 3: Regeneration 10 PGAL molecules are use to REGENERATE the RuBP 6 more ATP are used

Photosynthesis Summary Light Reaction Calvin Cycle Carbon Dioxide Sunlight Water RuBP PGA NADPH ATP PGAL Oxygen Glucose

To sum up… The Calvin cycle is a 3 step process where the energy from 18 ATP and 12 NAPDH (made during the light dependent reactions) is used to combine 6 CO2 with 6 RuBP to make 1 glucose. It is a cycle because intermediate molecules are used to reform RuBP. It happens in the stroma and O2 is a waste product.