The Light-Independent Reactions of Photosynthesis (College Board AP® Biology): Study Guide

The Calvin cycle

• The light-independent stage of photosynthesis, also referred to as the Calvin cycle, occur in the stroma of chloroplasts

• This stage produces complex organic molecules, including carbohydrates such as:

  • starch

  • sucrose

  • cellulose

• The Calvin cycle involves the following processes:

  • carbon dioxide is absorbed from the air and enters the chloroplasts

  • a series of chemical reactions that involve ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent stage result in carbon dioxide being fixed

  • six-carbon sugars, e.g., glucose, and other carbon-containing compounds are produced