Calvin cycle
The Calvin Cycle is a crucial part of photosynthesis, the process plants use to convert sunlight into energy. It occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where carbon dioxide from the air is combined with energy-rich molecules derived from sunlight. This cycle uses enzymes to transform carbon dioxide into glucose, a type of sugar that plants use for energy and growth. The Calvin Cycle operates continuously, helping plants produce food even in the absence of sunlight, as long as they have carbon dioxide and energy from previous sunlight exposure. It plays a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem by providing energy for nearly all life forms.
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The Calvin cycle is a process that plants use to turn carbon dioxide from the air into glucose, a type of sugar that provides energy. This cycle takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells during photosynthesis. It involves three main steps: carbon fixation, where carbon dioxide is combined with a five-carbon molecule; reduction, where energy from sunlight helps convert this compound into glucose; and regeneration, where the cycle resets to continue using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Ultimately, the Calvin cycle is essential for producing the food that supports life on Earth.