During photosynthesis, phosphorylation refers to the process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule. There are two types of phosphorylation that occur during different stages of photosynthesis:
1. Photophosphorylation (Light-dependent phosphorylation): This process occurs during the light reactions of photosynthesis, specifically in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast. It involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
2. Substrate-level phosphorylation: This process occurs during the Calvin cycle or light-independent reactions of photosynthesis. It involves the addition of a phosphate group from a donor molecule onto a receptor molecule, forming ATP.
In both types of phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group to a molecule (usually ADP - adenosine diphosphate) converts it to ATP, which is the primary energy currency in cells.
What happens during photosphorylation
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