The chemiosmotic hypothesis states that the energy for the production of ATP during photosynthesis comes from A) the release of protons from water. B) the oxidation of NADP⁺. C) a proton gradient set up across the thylakoid membrane. D) the oxidation of CO₂. E) glycolysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chemiosmotic hypothesis states that the energy for the production of ATP during photosynthesis is derived from a proton gradient that is set up across the thylakoid membrane. This gradient is established by the movement of protons from the stroma to the thylakoid lumen, which creates a pH gradient and an electrochemical potential difference that drives the synthesis of ATP. This process is similar to the chemiosmotic coupling mechanism that generates ATP in mitochondria during cellular respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

The Chemiosmotic Hypothesis States That the Energy for the Production