What does the Calvin Cycle primarily utilize during photosynthesis?

The Calvin Cycle primarily utilizes ATP and NADPH to build high-energy compounds. This process occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts during the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis. While light energy is necessary for the production of ATP and NADPH during the light-dependent reactions, the Calvin Cycle itself does not directly use light energy. Instead, it relies on the ATP and NADPH generated in these light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

In the Calvin Cycle, carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules through a series of enzymatic reactions. ATP provides the necessary energy, while NADPH donates electrons, reducing carbon compounds and ultimately leading to the synthesis of glucose and other carbohydrates. This shows the cycle's critical role in transforming inorganic carbon into an energy storage form, demonstrating how plant metabolism efficiently integrates energy from the sun into the food web.