Final answer:
The overall function of the Calvin cycle is to synthesize glucose from atmospheric carbon dioxide using the energy stored in ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall function of the Calvin cycle is making sugar. During the process of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle plays a crucial role in converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbohydrates like glucose. This stage is light-independent and utilizes the energy previously captured during the light-dependent reactions, stored in molecules like ATP and NADPH, to synthesize glucose which is a vital source of energy for the plant. Carbon fixation is a key step in this process, where CO₂ is incorporated into organic molecules, which are then transformed into glucose through a series of enzyme-driven reactions.
It's important to note that the Calvin cycle does not involve capturing sunlight, as the energy required has already been harvested during the light-dependent stage. Instead, it focuses on using that energy to perform the chemical reactions necessary for the synthesis of glucose. Thus, oxygen is not produced in the Calvin cycle but is a byproduct of the preceding light-dependent reactions, where water is split and oxygen is released.