Question

In which compartment of the plant cell do the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis take place?

a) Thylakoid lumen
b) Stroma
c) Grana
d) Outer membrane

Answer 1

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the stroma of the chloroplast, which is the fluid-filled space outside the thylakoid membranes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, commonly known as the Calvin cycle, take place in the stroma of the chloroplast. The stroma is the fluid-filled space that exists outside the thylakoid membranes. In contrast, the light-dependent reactions occur on the thylakoid membranes themselves. While the thylakoid membranes contain photosystems and various electron carriers required for light absorption and conversion into chemical energy, the stroma contains the enzymes necessary for synthesizing sugars during the Calvin cycle.