What is the dark reaction of photosynthesis also known as?

The dark reaction of photosynthesis is also known as the Calvin Cycle. This process takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and does not directly require light to occur, hence the term "dark reaction." However, it is essential to note that the Calvin Cycle relies on the products of the light-dependent reactions (such as ATP and NADPH) to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules like glucose.

During the Calvin Cycle, carbon dioxide is fixed through a series of enzymatic reactions, ultimately synthesizing sugars that can be used by plants for energy and growth. The term "Calvin Cycle" honors Melvin Calvin, who elucidated the pathway through which plants convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrate.

The other terms mentioned relate to different processes in photosynthesis. The light reaction specifically refers to the initial phase where sunlight is captured and converted into chemical energy, photorespiration is a process that can decrease the efficiency of photosynthesis when oxygen interferes with carbon fixation, and the electron transport chain is involved in the light reactions, facilitating the transfer of electrons and the generation of ATP. Understanding this distinction is critical for grasping the overall mechanism of photosynthesis.