Chapter 8.3

Summary:
- RuBP, a sugar with 5 carbons, is regenerated each time the process occurs
- inputs: carbon dioxide, ATP, NADPH
- the cycle uses the carbon from the carbon dioxide, energy from the ATP, and high-energy electrons and hydrogen ions from the NADPH.
- output: G3P, not yet glucose, but smaller, used by plants to make glucose and other organic molecules it needs
- light reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes
- light reactions convert light energy to the chemical energy of ATP and NADPH
- Calvin cycle, in the stroma, uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide to sugar
Concept Check:
1.What are the inputs and outputs of the Calvin cycle?
The inputs are carbon dioxide from the air and the ATP and the NADPH produced by the light reactions. The Calvin cycle's output is a energy-rich sugar molecule called G3P.

2. Which stages of photosynthesis uses each reactant from the overall photosynthesis equation? Which stage generates each product from the overall photosynthesis equation?
The light reaction stage of photosynthesis uses each reactant from the overall photosynthesis equation. The Calvin cycle regenerates the product from the photosynthesis equation.

3. Why is the Calvin cycle called a cycle?
Calvin cycle is a cycle because its starting material, the compound RuBP, regenerates each time the process occurs.

4. What molecule is the direct product of photosynthesis? How is that molecule then used by plant cells?
G3P is the direct product of photosynthesis. It was used to make glucose or other organic molecules.