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Biology Simulations
PhotosynthesisA-level

Calvin cycle

How does the Calvin cycle turn carbon dioxide into a net gain of organic carbon?

Follow carbon fixation, GP reduction and RuBP regeneration around a clear, interactive cycle.

Open simulation

Explore at your own pace. Pause, look closer, play again.

The Calvin cycle diagram with RuBP on the left, GP on the right, TP below and Rubisco at carbon fixation.
Calvin cycleView from the simulation

Look closer.

  1. Follow Rubisco-catalysed carbon fixation, reduction of GP to TP and regeneration of RuBP.
  2. Switch on carbon counting to account for net TP production and the ATP and reduced NADP budget.
  3. Change light, carbon dioxide and temperature to explore the relative RuBP, GP and TP pools.