What is produced as a result of the Calvin Cycle in photosynthesis?

The Calvin Cycle, which takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts, is a vital process in photosynthesis that synthesizes glucose from carbon dioxide and other compounds. One of the main functions of the Calvin Cycle is to convert the energy stored in ATP and NADPH (produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis) into a stable, energy-rich molecule—glucose. This process involves several steps, including carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).

Throughout these steps, carbon dioxide is fixed into a five-carbon sugar and is eventually converted into a three-carbon compound, which is then transformed into glucose. The glucose produced can be used immediately for energy or can be stored as starch for later use. This makes glucose a crucial output of the Calvin Cycle, as it serves as a primary energy source for plants and, subsequently, for the organisms that consume them.