Light Independent Reaction

• Where does the calvin cycle occur?

  In the chloroplasts in the STROMA
• What is the enzyme in the stroma ?

  RuBisCo
• What are the 3 key molecules involved?

  • CO2
  • Reduced NADP
  • ATP

  All used to forma a hexose sugar
• Describe the Calvin Cycle

  • CO2 reacts with RuBP to form 2 molecules of GP
  • This is catalysed by the enzyme Rubisco
  • GP is reduced to TP using energy from ATP by accepting a H from reduced NADP
  • Some carbon from TP leaves the cycle each time and converted into a useful organic substance
  • The rest of the molecule is used to regenerate RuBP with energy from ATP
• Limiting factors of photosynthesis

  1. Light Intensity
  2. Carbon dioxide concentration (LIR)
  3. Temperature (Enzymes)

  When light intensity and CO2 concentration plateau one of the other 2 factors is the limiting factor

  
• How do farmers overcome the limiting factors of photosynthesis?

  • Artificial lighting - maximise light intensity
  • Heating a greenhouse - increase temperature
  • Burning fuel (paraffin burners) to release more CO2