The Calvin cycle is also known as the light-independent reactions.
The Calvin cycle, a crucial part of photosynthesis, is the process where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose, the sugar that plants use for energy and building blocks. Unlike the "light-dependent reactions" which require sunlight directly, the Calvin cycle utilizes the energy created during those reactions to "fix" or capture carbon dioxide. This is why it's often referred to as the light-independent reactions.
In simpler terms, photosynthesis has two main stages:
- Light-dependent reactions: These capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).
- Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions): These use the chemical energy from the first stage to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
Therefore, the term "light-independent reactions" accurately reflects the fact that the Calvin cycle doesn't directly need light to function. It relies on the products of the light-dependent reactions.
