What is the Primary Function of the Calvin Cycle

Question

What is the primary function of the Calvin cycle?
A) use ATP to release carbon dioxide
B) use NADPH to release carbon dioxide
C) split water and release oxygen
D) transport RuBP out of the chloroplast
E) synthesize simple sugars from carbon dioxide

Accepted Answer

The primary function of the Calvin cycle is to synthesize simple sugars (such as glucose) from carbon dioxide, using energy from ATP and reducing power from NADPH, which are produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis. The cycle also regenerates the starting molecule, ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), which is necessary for continued carbon fixation. The cycle does not involve the release of carbon dioxide or oxygen, nor does it transport RuBP out of the chloroplast.