Final answer:
The pathway in photosynthesis not dependent on solar energy is the Calvin cycle (A), which uses energy stored in ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into carbohydrates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pathway in photosynthesis that does NOT depend upon solar energy is the Calvin cycle. Unlike the light-dependent reactions, which occur in the thylakoid membranes and harness light energy to produce ATP and NADPH, the Calvin cycle takes place in the stroma and uses the energy from these compounds to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, including GA3P (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate). The Calvin cycle is known as part of the light-independent reactions because it can occur in the absence of light. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is A) Calvin cycle.