Lesson 1: An Introduction

The light independent reaction doesn't use light energy (directly)

  • The light-dependent reaction can take place in the dark.
  • However, it needs the products of the light-dependent reaction (ATP and reduced NADP) so it can only continue for a little while in the dark.

It takes place in the stroma.

  • The light independent reaction takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast.
  • In the stroma, the ATP and reduced NADP from the light-dependent reaction supply the energy and hydrogen to make glucose from carbon dioxide.

The light independent reaction is also called the Calvin cycle.