Analogy in bioenergetics: Oxidative phosphorylation is to cellular respiration as which process is to photosynthesis (considering the ATP-generating stage driven by an electron transport chain)?

Introduction / Context:
Both respiration and photosynthesis use chemiosmotic coupling to synthesize ATP. In respiration, this ATP-forming stage is called oxidative phosphorylation; in photosynthesis, the analogous ATP-forming stage driven by light-energized electron flow is photophosphorylation. Recognizing this analogy helps organize bioenergetic concepts across systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Oxidative phosphorylation couples electron transport to ATP synthesis in mitochondria.
• Photophosphorylation couples photosynthetic electron transport to ATP synthesis in chloroplast thylakoids.
• Both processes rely on a proton-motive force and ATP synthase.

Concept / Approach:
Map respiration's stages to photosynthesis: glycolysis/TCA supply electrons to oxidative phosphorylation; the light reactions supply electrons to the photosynthetic chain that powers photophosphorylation. Carbon fixation (the Calvin cycle) is an ATP consumer, not the ATP-producing analog. The electron transport chain is a component of both, but the named ATP-generating process in photosynthesis is photophosphorylation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Inhibitors that dissipate proton gradients (uncouplers) block both oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation, confirming the mechanistic analogy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Carbon fixation: consumes ATP and NADPH; it is not the ATP-producing step.
• Electron transport chain: necessary but not the named ATP-forming process; photophosphorylation is the correct term.
• Light capture by chlorophyll: the initiating event, not the ATP synthesis step.
• Reduction of NADPH to NADP+: direction is reversed; photosynthetic light reactions reduce NADP+ to NADPH.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating the electron transport chain with ATP synthesis terminology; the chain provides the gradient, while phosphorylation by ATP synthase defines the process name.

Final Answer:
Photophosphorylation