Describe what can happen to the three-carbon molecules made in the Calvin cycle.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "Calvin cycle" to get these possible sources:
http://images.google.com/images?q=calvin+cycle&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_cycle
http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/Bio231/calvin.html
http://faculty.nl.edu/jste/calvin_cycle.htm
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/C/CalvinCycle.html
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
The three-carbon molecules, also known as triose phosphates, produced during the Calvin cycle can undergo several potential fates. These molecules serve as crucial intermediates in the synthesis of glucose and other carbohydrates. Here are a few possible outcomes for the triose phosphates:
1. Conversion to glucose: The most common fate of these molecules is their conversion to glucose. Two molecules of triose phosphate can be combined to form glucose-6-phosphate, which can then be further processed and converted into starch, sucrose, or cellulose for storage or transport within the plant.
2. Regeneration of RuBP: Some of the triose phosphates can be used to regenerate the starting molecule of the Calvin cycle, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). This is crucial to sustain the cycle and to continue fixing carbon dioxide. By using a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, multiple triose phosphates can be converted back into RuBP.
3. Production of other organic molecules: Triose phosphates can also be used to synthesize other organic molecules needed for plant metabolism. For example, some of the triose phosphates can be used as precursors for the production of amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides.
It's important to note that the fate of the triose phosphates depends on the metabolic needs of the plant and the environmental conditions. The regulation of these pathways is complex and tightly controlled to ensure optimal growth and energy balance within the plant. Understanding these processes gives insight into how plants produce, store, and utilize important organic molecules.