Final answer:
ATP synthase uses the energy from the flow of hydrogen ions down their concentration gradient to synthesize ATP from ADP, which is then used in the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis. So the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of ATP synthase in photosynthesis is to use the potential energy of flowing hydrogen ions (protons) to synthesize ATP (adenosine triphosphate) from ADP (adenosine diphosphate). This process occurs during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis within the chloroplasts. Specifically, in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast, a concentration gradient of hydrogen ions is established by the photosynthetic electron transport chain. When hydrogen ions flow down their concentration gradient through the ATP synthase protein complex, the energy from this flow is used to attach a third phosphate group to ADP, forming ATP in a process called chemiosmosis. This ATP is then used as an energy source in the second stage of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle, to help form sugar molecules. Thus, the correct answer to the question is:
A. It uses the potential energy of flowing hydrogen ions to make ATP.