THE CALVIN CYCLE Created by: Caitlynn Lied 2008 The dark reaction of photosynthesis RR NADP H NADP + A A

From the light reaction, 3 carbon dioxide molecules enter the cycle Already, there are 3 Ribulose Biphosphates (RuBP) in the cycle

The carbons bind with the RuBP to form a short-lived molecule, with the help of the enzyme Rubisco RRR

The three molecules then split, forming six phosphoglycerate, or PGA

AA ATP enters the cycle from the light reaction… AA …And the phosphates break off and join with the PGA AA

AAAAAA The ADP then goes back to the light reaction to be recharged into ATP again.

NADP + NADP H NADP + As NADPH enters from the light reaction, the phosphates from the ATP molecules break off Then, the NADPH becomes NADP+. These molecules then return to the light reaction

One newly-formed PGAL molecule steps off and waits for the next cycle

Two phosphates leave, and the 5 PGAL re-arrange themselves into RuMP, a five- carbon molecule

AAA Now, three more ATP molecules enter, and donate their phosphates again This creates the final product, RuBP

Three new carbon then come in, and the cycle begins again

Later, after the cycle has gone again halfway, the PGAL from the first cycle binds with another PGAL to form… G …and the cell has made its food

NADP H NADP + AA R G