Plants produce ATP primarily through two processes: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. During photosynthesis, light energy absorbed by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts drives the light-dependent reactions. These reactions create a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane, and ATP synthase uses this gradient to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP. This process is called photophosphorylation. ATP produced here fuels the Calvin cycle to synthesize sugars for the plant. In cellular respiration, mitochondria generate ATP by breaking down glucose through a series of chemical reactions. Electrons transferred through the electron transport chain in the mitochondria also create a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase to produce ATP. Plants can generate ATP through:
- Photophosphorylation in chloroplasts during photosynthesis (light-dependent reactions)
- Cellular respiration in mitochondria by metabolizing glucose
This ATP serves as the energy currency needed for growth, active transport, cellular repair, and other metabolic functions in the plant.
