The Calvin Cycle
Calvin Cycle
a series of enzyme assisted reactions that create glucose
Reduction
an atom gains energy when it gains an electron and its charge lowers
Oxidation
an atom loses energy by donating an electron and as a result its charge increases
carbon fixation
carbon dioxide gets combined with RUBP with the help of the enzyme rubisco
CO2 levels
chemical variable that improves glucose production up to a point
stroma
location of the Calvin Cycle
stomata
openings in leaves that allow CO2 in and water out
CAM pathway
pathway used by plants in hot climates that only open their stomata at night to save water
C-4 pathway
pathway used by plants in hot climates that partially open stomata to create four carbon compound and save water
reduction phase
phase of the Calvin Cycle when NADPH donates the electrons it gained in the light reactions
rubisco
the enzyme that combines carbon dioxide and RUBP
RuBP
the five carbon compound that combines with carbon dioxide with the help of rubisco
light intensity
energy variable that improves glucose production up to a point
temperature
energy variable that improves glucose production up to a point, after which it decreases glucose production by denaturing enzymes
regeneration phase
stage of the Calvin cycle when RUBP is regenerated to restart the cycle