In photosynthesis, the cycle of reactions that uses carbon dioxide to synthesize glucose is known as the ___.
a
light dependent cycle
b
light independent cycle
c
unicycle
d
Kreb's cycle
b) light-independent cycle
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the process of photosynthesis and its different stages. Photosynthesis is a complex process that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, through which they convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (a form of sugar) and oxygen.
The photosynthesis process consists of two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions.
The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts and are triggered by sunlight. During these reactions, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and used to convert water molecules into oxygen and high-energy molecules called ATP and NADPH.
The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts. These reactions use the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions, along with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, to synthesize glucose. The Calvin cycle does not directly require light, as its name suggests, but it depends on the energy-rich molecules produced by the light-dependent reactions.
Given this information, we can determine that the correct answer is:
b) light-independent cycle (or the Calvin cycle)
So, in photosynthesis, the cycle of reactions that uses carbon dioxide to synthesize glucose is known as the light-independent cycle or the Calvin cycle.