Photosynthesis ; Light Independent Reaction

Question 1

Carbon fixation

Answer 1

When co2 diffuses into the leaves through the stomata it combines with ribulose biphosphate to give an unstable 6C compund — this is catalysed by rubisco

The unstable 6C molecule splits into 2 x glycerine 3-phosphate

Question 2

Reduction of glycerine 3-phosphate

Answer 2

The 2x GP are then reduced to triose phosphate — driven by energy from 2 x ATP and protons from 2 X NADP ( provided by the light dependent reaction)

Question 3

Regeneration of RuBP

Answer 3

Reaction is driven by one molecule of ATP which is then recycled in the light dependent reaction