Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate is a five-carbon sugar molecule crucial in the process of photosynthesis. It reacts with carbon dioxide in plant cells, catalyzed by the enzyme RuBisCO, to form an unstable six-carbon compound that quickly breaks down into two three-carbon molecules. This step is essential for the Calvin cycle, where plants convert carbon dioxide into sugars that serve as energy sources. Essentially, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate acts as a starting point, helping plants incorporate atmospheric carbon into organic molecules vital for growth and energy.