Answer :
Final answer:
RuBisCO is essential in the Calvin cycle for the fixation of CO₂, catalyzing the reaction that incorporates CO₂ into RuBP, leading to the formation of 3-PGA and then G3P, which is pivotal for glucose synthesis and the regeneration of RuBP.
Explanation:
The Calvin cycle is a vital part of photosynthesis, occurring in the stroma of chloroplasts. Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) is a critical enzyme in the Calvin cycle and functions during the first stage known as CO₂ fixation. During this stage, RuBisCO catalyzes the addition of CO₂ to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), forming an intermediate that quickly breaks down into two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). Following this, during the second stage, ATP and NADPH, which were generated from the light-dependent reactions, are used to reduce 3-PGA into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P). G3P can then be used to synthetize glucose. In the final stage, some of the G3P is used to regenerate RuBP with the help of additional ATP, thus allowing the cycle to continue and fix more CO₂.