BRAINCAKEEffect of Limiting Factors on the Calvin Cycle
The Calvin cycle has three main steps: RuBP combines with CO2 to form GP (catalysed by rubisco); GP is reduced to triose phosphate (TP) using ATP and reduced NADP; most TP is used to regenerate RuBP, which also uses ATP. Changing a limiting factor changes the levels of these intermediates in a predictable way.
Low light intensity: less ATP and reduced NADP come from the light-dependent reaction. GP cannot be reduced to TP as quickly, so GP accumulates. Less TP is made, so less RuBP is regenerated and RuBP falls. TP also falls.
Low carbon dioxide concentration: RuBP cannot be converted to GP as quickly, so RuBP accumulates and GP falls. Less GP means less TP is made.
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Key terms in this lesson
- rubp
- Ribulose bisphosphate, the five-carbon molecule that combines with carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle, in a reaction catalysed by rubisco.
- gp
- Glycerate 3-phosphate, the three-carbon compound formed when RuBP combines with carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle.
- tp
- Triose phosphate, the three-carbon sugar formed when GP is reduced using ATP and reduced NADP in the Calvin cycle.
More in Energy for Biological Processes
- Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis
- Light Intensity as a Limiting Factor
- Carbon Dioxide Concentration as a Limiting Factor
- Temperature as a Limiting Factor
- Interpreting Limiting Factor Graphs
- Uses of Triose Phosphate
- Investigating the Rate of Photosynthesis
- Agricultural Glasshouses and Limiting Factors
All 17 lessons in Energy for Biological Processes · All AQA A-level Biology topics