What percentage of photosynthesis is attributed to dark reactions?

Photosynthesis consists of two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, often referred to as the dark reactions. The dark reactions, primarily occurring in the stroma of the chloroplasts, utilize the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzymatic processes, including the Calvin cycle.

It's essential to clarify that the light-independent reactions do not require light but are dependent on the products of the light-dependent reactions. Thus, while they are critical for the overall process of photosynthesis, they cannot function without the preceding light reactions, which capture and convert solar energy.

The question regarding the percentage of photosynthesis attributed to the dark reactions is somewhat misleading, as both processes are interconnected. However, in terms of the overall carbon fixation and conversion of inorganic carbon into organic compounds like glucose, one can consider that a significant portion of the energy and substance production of photosynthesis is anchored in these dark reactions. Although it is common to view a substantial proportion, such as 95%, attributing the efficiency of the total process to dark reactions may be an interpretation based on their contribution to the overall yield of carbohydrates.

Understanding this context helps clarify that while the dark reactions are highly significant in synthes