Question

Name the following :
A photosynthetic stage which may take place in the presence and absence of light.

Answer 1

The dark reaction of photosynthesis is not dependent on sunlight but it does not mean it does not occur in its presence. The dark reaction occurs both in the presence and absence of sunlight. This reaction occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts which are cell organelles known as the kitchen of the cells.

The dark reaction was discovered by three scientists namely Calvin, Benson and Bassham and so this cycle is also called as the Calvin- Benson- Bassham cycle. This reaction is also called by many other names such as $C_3$ cycle or reductive pentose phosphate cycle. The plants that have Calvin cycle are known as $C_3$ plants.