calvins cycle

• What is the purpose of using a carbon 14 isotope in Calvin's experiment?

  To trace and track carbon in molecules
• What does the incorporation of carbon 14 isotope help visualize?

  The distribution of radioactivity in plant material
• What are the key pieces of equipment in Calvin's experiment?

  • Lollipop flask
  • Syringe
  • Rapid action tap
  • Hot methanol or alcohol
  • Carbon isotope
  • Algae
• What is the function of the funnel in Calvin's apparatus?

  To add algae into the flask
• How is the radioactive carbon isotope introduced into the experiment?

  Using a syringe to inject it
• What does the hot methanol do in the experiment?

  Denatures enzymes to stop photosynthesis
• Why is the rapid action tap important in the experiment?

  It allows precise sampling at specific times
• What happens to photosynthesis when the hot methanol is introduced?

  All reactions stop completely
• What are the advantages of using a flat lollipop flask in the experiment?

  • Larger surface area for light exposure
  • Faster rate of light-dependent reactions
  • Simultaneous injection and sampling possible
• What is the first step in the method of Calvin's experiment?

  Isolation of the chloroplast
• How are chloroplasts isolated in the experiment?

  By homogenizing and centrifuging cell samples
• What does the perfusion stage refer to in the experiment?

  Simultaneous injection and sampling of carbon
• What technique is used to measure radioactivity in the experiment?

  Autoradiography
• What happens to the levels of GP, TP, and RuBP in the light versus the dark?

  • In light: GP increases, TP increases, RuBP is regenerated
  • In dark: GP increases, TP decreases, RuBP decreases
• Why is there a high amount of radioactive substance in GP in the light?

  GP has more carbon atoms than RuBP
• What causes the decrease of radioactively labeled glucose in the dark?

  Light-dependent reactions stop, reducing TP
• Why do GP levels rise in the dark?

  Light-dependent reactions stop, no TP produced
• Why do RuBP levels decrease in the dark?

  RuBP combines with CO2 but isn't regenerated
• What happens to GP levels if the experiment continues in the dark for too long?

  GP levels will eventually decrease
• What should students focus on when answering application questions about Calvin's experiment?

  • Understand the role of each apparatus
  • Know the significance of carbon isotopes
  • Be able to explain results and their implications
• What is the next topic to study after Calvin's experiment?

  Respirometers and measuring respiration rate