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Digging Deeper: Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

  • Page ID
    184250
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    The second stage of photosynthesis uses energy from the first stage to make sugars. The second stage is referred to as the light-independent reactions. These reactions occur in the stroma and use CO2 molecules. 

    A molecule of glucose is formed as it stores fome of the energy captured from sunlight. During the Calvin Cycle, energy is added and carbon molecules are rearranged. A high-energy 3-carbon molecule leaves the cycle. 

    Two 3-carbon molecules bond to form a sugar. The remaining molecules stay in the cycle. 

    calvincycle_57309192e9aec.jpg

    Here are some resources you need to take the time to check out regarding the Calvin Cycle:


    Digging Deeper: Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle) is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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