Practical 1 - Structural Properties of the Calvin Cycle and Diacetyl Synthesis

Introduction

In this practical we will investigate the general structural properites of the photosynthetic Calvin Cycle (see Slide 7 from the first talk) and seek to answer a specific question that is hard to answer simply by looking at the network diagram: "how can starch degradation act as a carbon source to generate triose phosphate?"

Methods

Part 1:

  1. Download the Calvin cycle model.

  2. Start ScrumPy and load the model:

  3. >>> m = ScrumPy.Model("Calvin.spy")

  4. Locate the reactions and metabolites in the model on the network diagram.
  5. As far as possible, identify the routes by which triose phosphate species may be identified.