Photophosphorylation
Photophosphorylation (pronounced: /ˌfoʊtoʊˌfɒsfərɪˈleɪʃən/) is a process by which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced in the chloroplast of plant cells during photosynthesis. The term is derived from the Greek words phos meaning light, and phoros meaning to bear or carry, and the English word phosphorylation which refers to the addition of a phosphate group.
Process
During photophosphorylation, light energy absorbed by chlorophyll is used to 'pump' protons across the thylakoid membrane into the thylakoid space creating a proton gradient. This gradient is then used to generate ATP through the process of chemiosmosis. This ATP is then used in the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
Types
There are two types of photophosphorylation: Cyclic photophosphorylation and Non-cyclic photophosphorylation. In cyclic photophosphorylation, the electrons released by the chlorophyll molecule are returned to it after passing through a series of electron carriers. In non-cyclic photophosphorylation, the electrons are not returned to the chlorophyll molecule but are used to reduce NADP+ to NADPH.
See also
- Photosynthesis
- Chloroplast
- ATP
- Chemiosmosis
- Calvin cycle
- Cyclic photophosphorylation
- Non-cyclic photophosphorylation
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Photophosphorylation
- Wikipedia's article - Photophosphorylation
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