How would you describe the process of light-independent reactions?

Question

Piper Anderson · Accepted Answer

The light-independent reaction converts #CO_2# into glucose. Glucose is needed for cellular respiration.

The light-independent reaction is also referred to as the dark reaction because it does not require light. Another name for the light independent reaction is the Calvin cycle. The Calvin cycle was named after Melvin Calvin.

During the Calvin cycle the carbon in #CO_2# is fixed to ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate to make 3-Phosphoglyceric acid and then Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. Some of the Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is used to make Glucose. The enzyme Rubisco with the help of ATP then converts the rest of the Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate into ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate allowing the cycle to start over again.

ATP and NADPH provide the chemical energy needed to keep the cycle running. ATP and NADPH are built up during the light dependent reaction.

Lydia Adams · Answer

undefined The Calvin cycle, also referred to as the light-independent reactions, takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast and uses the ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of steps that are catalyzed by enzymes, such as carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of RuBP. The final product is glucose, which can be stored for use by the plant or utilized immediately.