Here's a breakdown:
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This is the primary source of carbon for the process. It's incorporated into organic molecules.
* RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate): A 5-carbon sugar that acts as the initial carbon acceptor.
* ATP (adenosine triphosphate): Provides the energy needed for the chemical reactions within the cycle.
* NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate): An electron carrier that provides reducing power for the cycle.
During the Calvin cycle, CO2 is fixed into RuBP, forming an unstable six-carbon molecule. This molecule quickly splits into two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3PG). ATP and NADPH are then used to convert 3PG into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). Some G3P is used to regenerate RuBP, allowing the cycle to continue. The rest of the G3P is used to make glucose and other organic molecules.
