The light-independent reaction uses reduced NADP from the light-dependent reaction to form a simple sugar; ATP provides additional energy
The light-independent reaction takes molecules made during the light-dependent reaction and uses their energy to build a simple sugar. It needs both reduced NADP and ATP to do this.
Real World
Greenhouse tomato growers in the Netherlands pump CO₂ into polytunnels to boost the light-independent reaction rate, increasing sugar production and raising yields by up to 30% compared to ambient CO₂ levels.
Exam Focus
Always state both inputs — reduced NADP supplies hydrogen and ATP supplies energy — writing only one loses a mark.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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