Oxygen reduction and optimum production of ATP in photosynthesis (2024)

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Nature volume256,pages 599–600 (1975)Cite this article

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Abstract

THE accepted pathway of CO2 fixation in plant photosynthesis requires that the photosynthetic light reactions produce ATP and reduced pyridine nucleotide (NADPH) in the molar ratio 3:2 (ref. 1). Early studies of photosynthetic phosphorylation suggested that non-cyclic electron transport could produce only equimolar amounts of ATP and NADPH, and the source of the extra ATP was presumed to be cyclic electron flow2. The view that the non-cyclic system is by itself able to produce twice as much ATP as NADPH has been expressed3,4, and removes the need for the in vivo operation of a cyclic electron flow which can be demonstrated in vitro only in artificial conditions5. An inflexible ATP–NADPH ratio of 2:1 for the products of the light reactions would, however, result in a feedback inhibition of electron transport, with ADP concentration as the limiting factor. One way of achieving flexibility in the relative production of ATP and NADPH would be for a low absolute stoichiometry of non-cyclic photophosphorylation (corresponding perhaps to a 1 : 1 ratio) to be accompanied by an ancillary reaction producing ATP but not NADPH. Such an ancillary reaction would be especially important in situations where ATP might be required for phosphorylations additional to those of the reductive pentose phosphate pathway.

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  1. J. F. ALLEN: Address from October 1, 1975: Botany School, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RA, UK.

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  1. King's College, Department of Plant Sciences, University of London, 68, Half Moon Lane, London, SE24 9JF, UK

    J. F. ALLEN

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ALLEN, J. Oxygen reduction and optimum production of ATP in photosynthesis. Nature 256, 599–600 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/256599a0

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Oxygen reduction and optimum production of ATP in photosynthesis (2024)

FAQs

What causes the production of ATP during photosynthesis? ›

Photosynthesis takes place in two distinct stages. In the light reactions, energy from sunlight drives the synthesis of ATP and NADPH, coupled to the formation of O2 from H2O. In the dark reactions, so named because they do not require sunlight, the ATP and NADPH produced by the light reactions drive glucose synthesis.

How much ATP is generated per O2 produced in photosynthesis? ›

Statistics 8 photons are used per 1 O2 produced. For every O2 produced 4 ATP are made and 2 NADPH. 1 NADPH can produce 3 ATP.

What is the production of ATP in photosynthesis called? ›

Photophosphorylation is the process in which light energy is converted into chemical energy through the production of ATP.

What role does oxygen play in photosynthesis? ›

Oxygen (O2) is evolved during photosynthetic electron transport when water is split by the oxygen-evolving complex to provide protons and electrons to the chloroplastic electron chain, thereby generating ATP and NADPH—the energy source and reducing power for plant metabolism.

What helps to drive the production of ATP in photosynthesis? ›

The chlorophyll obtains its electrons from water (H2O), producing O2 as a by-product. During the electron-transport process, H+ is pumped across the thylakoid membrane, and the resulting electrochemical proton gradient drives the synthesis of ATP in the stroma.

What produces ATP photosynthesis or respiration? ›

The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy that can be used for food. Cellular respiration is the process that occurs in the mitochondria of organisms (animals and plants) to break down sugar in the presence of oxygen to release energy in the form of ATP.

How much ATP is produced in lack of oxygen? ›

Without oxygen, organisms can split glucose into just two molecules of pyruvate. This releases only enough energy to make two ATP molecules. With oxygen, organisms can break down glucose all the way to carbon dioxide. This releases enough energy to produce up to 38 ATP molecules.

Does photosynthesis produce a lot of ATP? ›

The reactants of photosynthesis are sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. The products are glucose, a sugar, and oxygen. Glucose can be used to create ATP during cellular respiration, but ATP is not directly produced during photosynthesis.

What is the inhibition of photosynthesis by oxygen called? ›

So the correct answer is 'Warburg effect'

What product of photosynthesis is used to generate ATP? ›

NADPH and ATP—high energy molecules that power the production of glucose—are produced during the light-dependent reactions, as well. Electrons and hydrogen ions from the water are used to build NADPH. Hydrogen ions also power the conversion of ADP to ATP.

What is the goal of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis is to generate ATP? ›

The purpose of the Calvin cycle is to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, which is an important source of energy for plants and other organisms. This process also involves the production of other key molecules that are used in the cell, such as ATP and NADPH.

What powers ATP synthase in photosynthesis? ›

In plants, energy acquired from photons is transferred through photosynthetic electron transport chain (ETC), which induces an electrochemical gradient to build up across the membrane. ATP synthase uses energy conferred by this electrochemical gradient for phosphorylation of ADP to generate ATP [7].

What happens if a plant gets too much oxygen? ›

When there is too much oxygen the roots have less motivation to grow larger because they are getting everything they need with a smaller surface area. That can then translate to the plants producing less biomass resulting in less leaf tissue. So at some point too much oxygen can actually cause less growth.

What are the symptoms of oxygen deficiency in plants? ›

Leaves may wilt, be distorted and smaller than normal. They may also drop prematurely, yellow from the base to the top of the plant and from the inside to the outside. Drooping and other drought stress symptoms as well as chlorosis may develop. Petioles may droop while the leaves remain firm and full of fluid.

What stage is oxygen produced in photosynthesis? ›

Answer and Explanation: Oxygen gas (O2) is produced very early on in photosynthesis, during the light-dependent reactions. Photosynthesis begins with chlorophyll or another pigment absorbing light energy. This light energy excites the electrons in chlorophyll so much that they leave.

What causes ATP production? ›

ATP production can occur in the presence of oxygen from cellular respiration, beta-oxidation, ketosis, lipid, and protein catabolism, as well as under anaerobic conditions.

What is the production of ATP in photosynthesis called quizlet? ›

Because the initial input is light, this chemismotic production of ATP in photosynthesis is called photophosphorylation.

Does light independent reaction produce ATP? ›

Photons (hv) are absorbed by the photosystems (Equations I and II) to generate reducing equivalent NADH and the energy carrier ATP for the light-independent reactions. Three molecules of CO2 are reduced to form glyceraldehyde-3-P (C3H5O2-P), which is further converted to biomass (CH2O).

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