i understand how photosystems 2 and 1 work, along with the calvin cycle. i also understand how c3 (majority of plants) c4 (corn, grasses etc.) and cam (cacti, pineapples etc.) plants fixate carbon.
you are right in saying that the plants require light to produce energy, but during the lights out period, they produce growth factors, which is why blooming works the way it does.
during photosystems 2 and 1, atp and nadph are created from h2o and light energy, and oxygen is released as a waste product. then, during the calvin cycle, this energy, along with 6co2 are turned into glucose. the cavlin cycle only operates when the lights are on, despite being dubbed the "dark reaction phase".
this doesnt mean that processes dont happen during the dark. hormones are released which promote plant health.
i can upload some notes if youd like.