The Light Independent Reaction--A.K.A. The Calvin Cycle

CO2 diffuses into the chloroplast and combines with RuBP to form a 6-Carbon sugar. The 6-carbon sugar immediately splits into 2 molecules of PGA. The PGA then takes an H from NADPH and a P from ATP and becomes PGAL. Some PGAL is then converted into glucose, most is used to build more RuBP. 6 turns are necessary for a molecule of glucose. The light independent reaction takes place in the stroma. -Equation: 6CO2 + 18ATP + 12NADPH2= C6…

…independent reaction takes place in the stroma. -Equation: 6CO2 + 18ATP + 12NADPH2= C6H12O6 + 18ADP + 18P + 12NADP +6H2O -Reactants: ATP NADPH Enzymes CO2 RuBP -Products Glucose ADP+P NADP+ Alternate Pathways: -C4 Pathway: fixes carbon dioxide into 4-C compounds. Contains enzymes not inhibited by high carbon dioxide. Requires more energy, but plants are in abundant light. Ex- Corn, sugar cane -CAM Pathway- plant takes in CO2 at night and stores it. Ex- cacti, pineapple