Final answer:
Excited electrons in the thylakoid membrane are passed through a series of proteins in a process called the electron transport chain. This process involves the pumping of hydrogen ions against their concentration gradient, creating an electrochemical gradient. The flow of the hydrogen ions through ATP synthase allows for the synthesis of ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excited electrons in the thylakoid membrane get passed through a series of proteins in a process called the electron transport chain. This chain captures the energy from the electrons and uses it to pump hydrogen ions against their concentration gradient, creating an electrochemical gradient. The energy released by the flow of hydrogen ions through a specialized protein channel called ATP synthase allows for the synthesis of ATP, which is an energy carrier molecule.