What is the difference between photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation?

1 Answer
Sep 18, 2016

Photophosphorylation occurs during photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation during cellular respiration.

Explanation:

Both photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation (oxphos) are processes cells use to make energy in the form of ATP.

First the similarities:

  • in both cases electrons are transferred through a series of membrane proteins
  • the electrons provide energy to pump protons (H+) to one side of the membrane
  • the protons flow back through a special enzyme (ATP-synthase) which makes ATP

Then the differences:

  • when it occurs:
    oxphos occurs during cellular respiration #harr#
    photophosphorylation occurs during photosynthesis
  • where it occurs: oxphos occurs inside mitochondria #harr# photophosphorylation occurs inside thylakoids (in chloroplasts)
  • energy source: the energy source for oxphos is glucose #harr#
    the energy source for photophosphorylation sunlight.
  • electron acceptor: in oxphos the final electron acceptor is molecular oxygen #harr#
    in photophosphorylation the final electron acceptor is NADP+

https://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/ch-19-the-light-reactions-of-photosynthesis/deck/10634388 (adapted)