1. ATP (adenosine triphosphate): This molecule is the primary energy currency of cells. It provides the energy required for the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide and produce sugars.
2. NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate): This molecule is a reducing agent, meaning it carries electrons. It provides the electrons needed for the Calvin cycle to reduce carbon dioxide and convert it into sugars.
Therefore, both ATP and NADPH are crucial for the dark reaction to function properly, as they provide the energy and reducing power necessary for carbon fixation and sugar synthesis.
