Question

In photosynthesis, what drives generation of ATP by ATP synthase?

A. The transfer of high-energy electrons to ATP synthase
B. The phosphorylation of ATP synthase
C. The absorption of a photon of light by an adjacent chlorophyll molecule
D. A proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane

Answer 1

ATP synthase uses the proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane to generate ATP during photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The generation of ATP by ATP synthase in photosynthesis is driven by a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane. The high concentration of hydrogen ions (protons) in the thylakoid lumen creates a gradient, with the lumen having a higher concentration than the stroma. As the hydrogen ions flow through ATP synthase during chemiosmosis, the energy released allows ATP synthase to attach a third phosphate group to ADP, forming ATP.