Photosynthetic bioenergetics — A “cyclic” electron transport process (producing ATP without net NADPH formation or water splitting) is characteristic of which metabolic context?

Introduction / Context:
Cyclic electron flow is a special mode of photosynthetic electron transport in which excited electrons from Photosystem I return through the cytochrome b6f complex back to the special chlorophyll, generating a proton gradient and ATP but no net NADPH or O2. This question checks whether you can associate “cyclic electron transport” with the correct biological process.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cyclic electron flow involves only Photosystem I and cytochrome b6f.
• Non-cyclic flow produces both ATP and NADPH and evolves O2 from water.
• Respiratory and chemolithotrophic chains are typically non-cyclic linear chains to terminal acceptors.

Concept / Approach:
Identify the process in which electrons excited by light re-enter the same reaction center, driving additional proton pumping without reducing NADP+. That hallmark belongs to photosynthesis, not to methane or sulfide oxidation or methanogenesis.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Plant and algal chloroplasts switch between cyclic and non-cyclic flow to balance the ATP/NADPH ratio required by the Calvin–Benson cycle.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “cyclic” with the circular TCA cycle; here it refers to electron path around PSI.

Final Answer:
Photosynthesis (cyclic photophosphorylation around Photosystem I).