What techniques were employed in the 'Calvin Experiment' to elucidate the carboxylation of RuBP (IB-HL 8.3)?

Calvin carried out ‘feeding experiments’ where radioactive labelled carbon was fed to plants. 14CO2 is taken up the cells and is then fixed into photosynthesis. 14CO2 was induced into the plants and monitored. Samples of photosynthesising cells taken at frequent intervals after feeding contained a sequence of radioactively labelled intermediates and products of the photosynthetic pathway. They were then isolated by chromatography. Chlorella was used, instead of mesophyll tissue, because they are easy to sample and have identical photosynthesis pathways 

AK

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

How can I tell if a question is asking me about Replication, Transcription, or Translation?


Explain the need for enzymes in digestion.


Outline the consequences of a global temperature rise on arctic ecosystems.


What is the role of auxin in plant phototropism?