What is the process called that describes the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis?

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The process that describes the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis is known as the Calvin Cycle. This cycle takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules, ultimately producing glucose. The Calvin Cycle uses the ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions to drive the conversion of carbon dioxide and ribulose bisphosphate into 3-phosphoglycerate, which is then processed into sugars.

In contrast, the Krebs Cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, occurs in the mitochondria and is a part of cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Cyclic photophosphorylation refers specifically to a process that occurs in the light-dependent reactions, where ATP is produced without the production of NADPH. Lastly, fermentation is an anaerobic process that breaks down glucose for energy in the absence of oxygen and is unrelated to the photosynthesis process.

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