What are the main products of the Calvin cycle?

The main products of the Calvin cycle are glucose and carbohydrates. The Calvin cycle, also known as the light-independent reactions or the dark reactions, takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts and is a crucial part of photosynthesis. During this cycle, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is fixed into organic molecules through a series of enzymatic reactions, ultimately leading to the production of glucose. Glucose can then be used by the plant for energy or can be converted into other carbohydrates, which serve as energy storage or structural components within the plant.

While other choices include components related to photosynthesis or plant metabolism, they do not accurately represent the main outputs of the Calvin cycle itself. Oxygen and ATP relate to the light-dependent reactions, where light energy is converted into chemical energy. NADPH is also a product of the light reactions, serving as a reducing agent, while water is involved in the process. Proteins and lipids, although vital for plant structure and function, are not direct products of the Calvin cycle; instead, they are derived from glucose and other carbohydrates synthesized during the cycle.