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ATP's Role in Calvin Cycle Reactions

This document covers the dark reactions of photosynthesis, specifically the Calvin Cycle, which involves carbon fixation in the stroma using ATP and NADPH produced in light reactions. The process includes carboxylation, glycolytic reversal, and regeneration of RuBP, ultimately synthesizing glucose and other organic compounds. Key steps and the role of enzymes like Rubisco are highlighted, along with the importance of maintaining sufficient RuBP and energy supplies for the cycle to continue.

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35 views2 pages

ATP's Role in Calvin Cycle Reactions

This document covers the dark reactions of photosynthesis, specifically the Calvin Cycle, which involves carbon fixation in the stroma using ATP and NADPH produced in light reactions. The process includes carboxylation, glycolytic reversal, and regeneration of RuBP, ultimately synthesizing glucose and other organic compounds. Key steps and the role of enzymes like Rubisco are highlighted, along with the importance of maintaining sufficient RuBP and energy supplies for the cycle to continue.

Uploaded by

kanishkanaiksatam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SUBJECT : BIOLOGY-I CLASS : 11th SCIENCE

Chapter : Photosynthesis Part : 5

Topics Covered : Dark Reaction, Calvin Cycle

DARK REACTION

➢ Carbon fixation occurs in the stroma by a series of enzyme catalyzed steps.

➢ Molecules of ATP and NADPH produced in the thylakoids (light reaction) come in the stroma
where carbohydrates are synthesized.

➢ The path of carbon fixation in dark reaction through intermediate compounds leading to the
formation of sugar and starch was worked out by Calvin, Benson and their co -workers.

➢ For this, Calvin was awarded Nobel Prize in 1961.

➢ Path of carbon was studied with the help of radioactive tracer technique using Chlorella, a
unicellular green alga and radioactive 14CO2

➢ With the help of radioactive carbon, it becomes possible to trace the intermediate steps of
fixation of 14CO2.

The various steps in the dark reactions (Calvin cycle / C-3 pathway are as follows :

1. CARBOXYLATION :

➢ CO2 reduction starts with a 5-carbon sugar, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP).

➢ RuBP – Pentose sugar + two phosphate groups.

➢ RuBP reacts with CO2 to produce unstable- 6-carbon intermediate in the presence of an
enzyme RuBP carboxylase or Rubisco and immidiately splits into 3-carbon compound, 3-
phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA).

➢ Rubisco is a large protein molecule and comprises 16% of the chloroplast proteins.

2. GLYCOLYTIC REVERSAL :

➢ Molecules of 3-PGA form 1,3-diphosphoglyceric acid utilizing ATP molecules.

➢ These are reduced to glyceraldehyde- 3-phosphate (3-PGAL) by NADPH supplied by the


light reactions of photosynthesis.

➢ For the Calvin cycle to run continuously, there must be sufficient amount of RuBP which
accepts CO2 and a regular supply of ATP and NADPH.

➢ Out of each of 12 molecules of 3-PGAL :

▪ 2 molecules are used for synthesis of one glucose molecule.

▪ 10 molecules are used for regeneration of 6 molecules of RuBP.

3. REGENERATION OF RUBP :

➢ Through a series of complex reactions, 10 molecules of 3-PGAL are used for regenration
of six molecules of RuBP at the cost of 6 ATP.

Teacher : Priti Mainde Page 1 of 2


SUBJECT : BIOLOGY-I CLASS : 11th SCIENCE

Chapter : Photosynthesis Part : 5

Topics Covered : Dark Reaction, Calvin Cycle

➢ For this purpose, six turns of Calvin cycle are needed to be operated so that ONE molecule
of glucose can be synthesized.

➢ Plants form a variety of organic compounds required for its structure and function through
these complex reactions.

➢ Thus, for every 6 molecules of CO2 and Ribulose-1, 5-biphosphate used, 12 molecules of
3-PGAL are produced.

➢ Out of these 12 molecules, only TWO are utilized for the formation of a molecule of
glucose.

➢ The other 10 molecules are converted into ribulose-1, 5-biphosphate which combines
with fresh CO2.

➢ Thus, the Calvin cycle regenerates ADP and NADP required for the light reaction

Teacher : Priti Mainde Page 2 of 2

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