What is the function of RuBisCO in the Calvin cycle?
Correct Answer: RuBisCO catalyzes the fixation of carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle.
- Step 1: Understand that the Calvin cycle is a process in plants that helps convert carbon dioxide into glucose (sugar).
- Step 2: Know that RuBisCO is an enzyme, which is a special protein that helps speed up chemical reactions.
- Step 3: Realize that the main job of RuBisCO in the Calvin cycle is to take carbon dioxide from the air.
- Step 4: Learn that RuBisCO combines carbon dioxide with a 5-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).
- Step 5: Understand that this combination creates a 6-carbon compound that quickly splits into two 3-carbon molecules.
- Step 6: Recognize that these 3-carbon molecules are then used to eventually make glucose, which plants use for energy.
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