AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) use stored chemical energy from the light-dependent reactions to “fix” CO2 and create a product that can be converted into glucose. The ultimate goal of the light-independent reactions (or Calvin cycle) is to assemble a molecule of glucose.

Detailed explanation-2: -Unlike the light reactions, which take place in the thylakoid membrane, the reactions of the Calvin cycle take place in the stroma (the inner space of chloroplasts). This illustration shows that ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions are used in the Calvin cycle to make sugar.

Detailed explanation-3: -Photosynthesis is the process of creating sugar and oxygen from carbon dioxide, water and sunlight.

Detailed explanation-4: -During the light reactions water is split and the by-product is oxygen. Oxygen is then released back into the atmosphere. Sugars are produced during the Calvin cycle and are not a direct product of the light reactions.

Detailed explanation-5: -The light independent reactions or the dark reactions is the Calvin cycle. In the light independent reaction carbon dioxide from the environment is fixed to form sugars. However the energy necessary for this carbon fixation and the subsequent production of a three carbon sugar requires the light dependent reactions.