The Calvin cycle takes place

Options

A. only in light
B. only in darkness
C. light dependent
D. light independent

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Calvin Cycle**: The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in plants during photosynthesis. It is responsible for converting carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

2. **Location of the Calvin Cycle**: The Calvin cycle takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts, not in the mitochondria. The stroma is the fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts.

3. **Light Dependency**: The Calvin cycle is often referred to as a light-independent reaction (or dark reaction). This means that it does not require light directly to occur. However, it relies on the products of the light-dependent reactions (ATP and NADPH) that are generated during the presence of light.

4. **Process Overview**: During the Calvin cycle, carbon dioxide is fixed into organic molecules, and through a series of reactions, it is ultimately converted into glucose. This process can occur both in light and in darkness as long as the necessary substrates (ATP and NADPH) are available.

5. **Conclusion**: The Calvin cycle is a crucial part of photosynthesis that occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and is light-independent, although it requires products generated during the light-dependent reactions.

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