∞ generated and posted on 2016.08.25 ∞
Conversion of the primary products of photosynthesis into longer-term energy stores.
The primary products of photosynthesis, those of the light reaction, are ATP and NADPH. The combination of these primary products into longer-term chemical energy stores primarily is into sugars but also, ultimately, polysaccharides and fats.
The dark reaction also consumes carbon dioxide and water. Another name for the dark reaction is the Calvin cycle as well as Calvin-Benson cycle.
The dark reaction actually can take place whether or not the sun is currently shining since the light reaction builds up stores of ATP and NADPH that are then consumed by the dark reaction.
The following video is a humorous overview of how ATP and NADPH, and water and carbon dioxide, are turned into sugar, with music(!):