In the context of photosynthesis, the dark reactions, also known as the Calvin Cycle, require certain factors to take place. Among the options provided, the correct answer is:
c. ATP
Here's why ATP is required for dark reactions to occur:
1. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is a molecule that serves as a source of energy in cells. During the Calvin Cycle, ATP is needed to fuel the various chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
2. The dark reactions of photosynthesis do not directly rely on light energy like the light-dependent reactions do. Instead, they use the energy stored in ATP and NADPH (another energy-carrying molecule) to convert carbon dioxide into sugars.
3. Without ATP, the Calvin Cycle wouldn't have the energy necessary to power the synthesis of glucose, which is the ultimate goal of the dark reactions in photosynthesis.
Therefore, ATP is an essential component required for the dark reactions to take place and successfully produce glucose in the process of photosynthesis.
