Which cycle uses CO2 to produce glucose through a series of reactions?

The Calvin cycle is the process that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce glucose through a series of biochemical reactions. This cycle occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells during photosynthesis. The key role of the Calvin cycle is to fix carbon, meaning it takes inorganic carbon from CO2 and converts it to an organic form, which is ultimately used to synthesize glucose.

In the Calvin cycle, CO2 is captured and is then combined with a 5-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) through the action of an enzyme called ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). This reaction creates a 6-carbon intermediate that quickly splits into two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). Through a series of enzyme-mediated transformations, these molecules ultimately lead to the production of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), which can then be used to form glucose and other carbohydrates.

The Calvin cycle operates in three main phases: carbon fixation, reduction phase, and regeneration of RuBP. Its overall purpose is to convert atmospheric CO2 into organic molecules that can be utilized for energy and growth by the plant. This cycle is crucial not only for plants but