RuBP
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) is a five-carbon sugar phosphate molecule that plays a central role in the Calvin Cycle of Photosynthesis. It acts as the carbon dioxide acceptor, enabling the process of Carbon Fixation to begin.
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Carbon Fixation: RuBP combines with carbon dioxide (CO2) in a reaction catalyzed by the Enzyme Rubisco. This reaction produces a highly unstable six-carbon intermediate, which quickly splits into two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA).
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regeneration: During the final phase of the Calvin Cycle, RuBP is regenerated from G3P molecules. This regeneration is critical to sustain the cycle, as RuBP must be available to continuously capture CO2 for Photosynthesis.
RuBP’s availability and the efficiency of its interaction with CO2 are crucial for the overall productivity of Photosynthesis. Environmental factors, such as CO2 concentration and temperature, can influence RuBP’s efficiency by affecting RuBisCO’s activity, impacting the plant’s ability to synthesize sugars.