Photosynthesis and the Calvin Cycle
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Photosynthesis is the process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
The Calvin Cycle is the series of chemical reactions that take place during photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This cycle consists of three main stages: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration.
During carbon fixation, carbon dioxide is combined with a 5-carbon sugar molecule called ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) to form unstable 6-carbon molecules. These molecules are then broken down into two 3-carbon molecules called 3-phosphoglycerate during the reduction stage.
In the final stage of the Calvin Cycle, these 3-carbon molecules are rearranged and combined to form glucose, which stores the chemical energy produced during photosynthesis. This glucose can then be used by the plant for energy or stored for later use.
Overall, the Calvin Cycle is a vital part of photosynthesis as it converts carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into usable energy for plants, helping to sustain life on Earth.