The 2nd name of the dark reaction is the Calvin cycle.
The dark reactions of photosynthesis, also known as the Calvin cycle, are a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. This process converts carbon dioxide into glucose, a sugar used by plants for energy storage.
Calvin Cycle Explained
The Calvin cycle involves three main stages:
- Carbon Fixation: Atmospheric carbon dioxide is captured and converted into an organic molecule.
- Reduction: The captured carbon is reduced using ATP and NADPH (energy-carrying molecules produced during the light-dependent reactions).
- Regeneration: The initial molecule required for carbon fixation is regenerated, allowing the cycle to continue.
As the reference states: "The Calvin cycle, which is another name for the dark reactions of photosynthesis, consists of three steps: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration. The Calvin cycle is used to convert atmospheric CO2 into glucose, which is a sugar that plants use to store energy."