Final answer:
The Calvin cycle's primary function is to synthesize G3P from carbon dioxide, using the energy from ATP and NADPH. It is a light-independent reaction that forms carbohydrates and regenerates the molecule RuBP to continue the cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary function of the Calvin cycle is the synthesis of a simple sugar, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), from carbon dioxide. This light-independent reaction of photosynthesis converts CO2 from the atmosphere into carbohydrates using the energy and reducing power of ATP and NADPH, which are the products of the light-dependent reactions. Carbon fixation is the initial step in the Calvin cycle, where CO2 is attached to an organic molecule. In the subsequent reactions, the energy stored in ATP and NADPH is used to convert the fixed carbon into G3P. After the production of G3P, the cycle regenerates the starting molecule, ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP), ensuring the process can continue.