Question

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

Answer 1

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

Explanation:

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.