4.5.8 LIGHT INDEPENDENT STEP OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

There are three steps in the Calvin Cycle;

1. Carboxylation: RuBP fixes CO2to form GP. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme Rubisco

2. Reduction: In a series of reactions GP reacts with ATP and NADPH reduced GP to form GALP (by reducing GP the NAHPH itself is oxidised, reverting to NADP)

3. Regeneration: Some GALP is converted back into RuBP so the Calvin Cycle can continue. The rest of GALP is converted into glucose in a series of reactions.

A glucose molecule is generated every 6 turns of the Calvin Cycle.