ATP Synthesis
ATP Production
- In photosynthesis, light provides the energy required to build organic molecules like glucose.
- In respiration, organic molecules such as glucose are broken down to release energy for the synthesis of ATP.
- The diffusion of protons from a region of high concenration to low concentration through a partially permeable membrane.
- The movement of protons down the concentration gradient releases energy which can then be used to attach Pi to an ADP molecule.
- Requires a proton gradient created by excited electrons.
- Electrons which have been raised to a higher energy level.
- In chlorophyll this is done by absorbing light energy from the sun.
- Excited eletrons are also released when chemical bonds are broken in respiratory substrates.
- Excited electrons pass down an electron transport chain, used to generate a proton gradient.
- Made up of a series of electron carriers, each with a progressively lower energy level.
- Energy is released as electrons move from one carrier to the next, with this energy released being used to pump protons across a partially permeable membrance creating a concentration gradient.
- The only way protons can move back is through hydrophilic membrane channels linked to ATP synthase.
- The flow of the protons provides energy required to synthesise ATP.
- In photosyntheis, ATP is used to synthesise glucose and other organic molecules, and ATP produced from respiration provides energy for processes needed for life.