What carbon-containing molecule is formed in the Calvin cycle?

In the Calvin cycle, G3P, or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, is the primary carbon-containing molecule that is synthesized. The cycle occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and involves the fixation of carbon dioxide, which is then combined with ribulose bisphosphate to eventually produce G3P.

G3P serves as a crucial intermediate that can be utilized to form glucose and other carbohydrates, but it is not itself glucose upon its immediate formation. This molecule can be further processed to create glucose and other organic compounds through subsequent biochemical pathways. Understanding G3P's role in the Calvin cycle emphasizes its importance in photosynthesis and energy storage within plants.