Question

Where does the Calvin cycle occur and does it need light?

Answer 1

The Calvin cycle, or the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts in plants and algae. It is a series of biochemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide into glucose. Unlike the light-dependent reactions that occur in the thylakoid membrane and require light, the Calvin cycle can occur in the absence of light; however, it relies on the products of the light-dependent reactions, such as ATP and NADPH, which are generated by capturing light energy.