Question

How does the bulk fixation of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis take place?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis:

1. Photosynthesis exclusively occurs in phototrophic organisms and converts light energy into chemical energy.
2. It involves the synthesis of glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.
3. The chloroplasts present in leaves conduct photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide fixation:

1. Carbon fixation is the process by which organic carbon compounds are formed from inorganic carbon.
2. The process of carbon fixation in plants is referred to as the Calvin cycle.
3. It is a dark reaction that utilizes ATP and NADPH produced during the light reactions.
4. Carbon fixation occurs in the initial phase of the Calvin cycle when RuBP (Ribulose-1,5-biphosphate) is carboxylated to 3-Phosphoglyceric acid by RuBisCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase).
5. This results in the conversion of carbon dioxide into an organic intermediate.
6. Bulk carbon fixation via photosynthesis takes place in the ocean as the ocean occupies 3/4th of the planet's surface area.
7. It contains high numbers of planktons, cyanobacteria, and seaweeds that conduct photosynthesis and results in bulk carbon fixation.