Final answer:
During photosynthesis, hydrogen ions are pumped into the thylakoid space and then flow back into the stroma through ATP synthase. They can be used in other metabolic processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
During photosynthesis, hydrogen ions (H+) are pumped into the thylakoid space of the chloroplasts through the electron transport chain. This creates an electrochemical gradient where there is a high concentration of hydrogen ions in the thylakoid space and a low concentration in the stroma.
The hydrogen ions then flow back into the stroma through a specialized protein channel called ATP synthase. This flow of hydrogen ions through ATP synthase is known as chemiosmosis and is used to generate ATP, a molecule that stores energy.
So, after photosynthesis, the hydrogen ions return to the stroma and can be used in other metabolic processes.