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Multiple Choice
Which process is primarily responsible for the production of ATP during the light reactions of photosynthesis?
A
Chemiosmosis driven by the electron transport chain in the thylakoid membrane
B
Direct transfer of phosphate groups from glucose molecules
C
Oxidation of NADPH to NADP\(^+\)
D
Fixation of carbon dioxide by the enzyme Rubisco
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the light reactions of photosynthesis occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and are responsible for converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
Recall that ATP production during the light reactions is primarily driven by chemiosmosis, a process where a proton gradient is established across the thylakoid membrane by the electron transport chain (ETC).
Recognize that the electron transport chain uses energy from excited electrons (originating from chlorophyll molecules in photosystem II) to pump protons (H extsuperscript{+}) into the thylakoid lumen, creating a high concentration of protons inside the lumen compared to the stroma.
Understand that the proton gradient drives ATP synthesis as protons flow back into the stroma through ATP synthase, a membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP.
Eliminate the incorrect options: (1) Direct transfer of phosphate groups from glucose molecules is part of glycolysis, not photosynthesis. (2) Oxidation of NADPH to NADP extsuperscript{+} occurs in the Calvin cycle, not the light reactions. (3) Fixation of carbon dioxide by Rubisco is part of the Calvin cycle, not the light reactions.