Final answer:
During the dark reactions of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide combines with a five-carbon compound to form two three-carbon molecules. These molecules undergo a series of reactions to produce glucose.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the dark reactions of photosynthesis, carbon is transformed into glucose through a process called the Calvin cycle.
In this cycle, carbon dioxide molecules from the atmosphere combine with a five-carbon compound called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) to produce a six-carbon compound. This compound is immediately converted into two three-carbon molecules called 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA) using the enzyme rubisco.
These 3PGA molecules then undergo a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, consuming energy from ATP and reducing power from NADPH (both produced during the light-dependent reactions) to form glucose. This glucose can be stored or used by the plant for energy.
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