Cyclic Photophosphorylation vs. Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation produces only ATP using the same electron repeatedly, while Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation generates ATP, NADPH, and oxygen, releasing electrons to NADP+.
Key Differences
Cyclic Photophosphorylation involves electrons cycling back to the original chlorophyll molecule, allowing for the generation of ATP without producing NADPH or oxygen. In contrast, Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation involves the flow of electrons from water to NADP+, forming ATP, NADPH, and oxygen, with electrons not returning to the chlorophyll.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
In Cyclic Photophosphorylation, the process is simpler, occurring in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and predominantly in bacteria. Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation, however, is more complex, occurring in higher plants and algae, involving two photosystems (PSI and PSII) and resulting in the photolysis of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
The electron donor in Cyclic Photophosphorylation is chlorophyll itself, which, after losing an electron, regains it by the end of the cycle. On the other hand, in Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation, water acts as the electron donor, splitting into oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons.
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Dec 22, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation does not contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. In contrast, Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation plays a crucial role in carbon fixation, as the NADPH produced is used in the Calvin cycle to reduce carbon dioxide.
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Dec 22, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation is primarily involved in providing additional ATP for the Calvin cycle, while Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation is essential for both ATP and NADPH production, fundamental for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Electron Flow
Electrons cycle back to chlorophyll
Electrons flow from water to NADP+
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Dec 22, 2023
Role in Photosynthesis
Supplementary ATP production
Essential for ATP and NADPH production
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Dec 22, 2023
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Cyclic Photophosphorylation and Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation Definitions
Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Involves electron cycling within photosystem I only.
Cyclic photophosphorylation doesn't produce NADPH as it involves only photosystem I.
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Dec 13, 2023
Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Generates oxygen as a byproduct from the splitting of water.
Oxygen released during non cyclic photophosphorylation is a crucial product for respiration.
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Dec 13, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Independent of Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation in ATP synthesis.
Cyclic photophosphorylation can occur even when non cyclic photophosphorylation is inactive.
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Dec 13, 2023
Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Essential for the reduction of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis.
Non cyclic photophosphorylation produces NADPH used in carbon fixation.
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Dec 13, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation
A photosynthetic process producing ATP by recycling electrons.
In certain bacteria, cyclic photophosphorylation is the sole method for generating ATP.
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Dec 13, 2023
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Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Primary source of ATP and NADPH in photosynthesis.
Non cyclic photophosphorylation is critical for providing energy and reducing power in photosynthesis.
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Dec 13, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Generates ATP without the photolysis of water.
Plants use cyclic photophosphorylation to produce additional ATP without splitting water.
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Dec 13, 2023
Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation
A photosynthetic process producing ATP, NADPH, and oxygen.
Non cyclic photophosphorylation is essential for the light-dependent reactions in plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Cyclic Photophosphorylation
A supplementary pathway for ATP production in photosynthesis.
Cyclic photophosphorylation provides extra ATP for the Calvin cycle in plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Non Cyclic Photophosphorylation
Involves electron flow from water to NADP+ through two photosystems.
Non cyclic photophosphorylation utilizes both PSI and PSII for electron transport.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is non cyclic photophosphorylation?
It's a photosynthetic process producing ATP, NADPH, and oxygen, involving electron flow from water to NADP+.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is oxygen produced in non cyclic photophosphorylation?
Yes, oxygen is produced as a byproduct from the splitting of water.
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Dec 22, 2023
Where does non cyclic photophosphorylation occur?
It occurs in higher plants and algae, involving two photosystems in the thylakoid membranes.
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Dec 22, 2023
What is the role of non cyclic photophosphorylation in photosynthesis?
It produces ATP and NADPH, essential for the light-dependent reactions and carbon fixation.
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Dec 22, 2023
Can cyclic photophosphorylation occur without non cyclic?
Yes, cyclic photophosphorylation can occur independently of non cyclic photophosphorylation.
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Dec 22, 2023
Where does cyclic photophosphorylation occur?
It occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, predominantly in bacteria.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What is cyclic photophosphorylation?
It's a process in photosynthesis where electrons cycle back to chlorophyll, producing ATP.
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Dec 22, 2023
How does cyclic photophosphorylation differ from non cyclic?
Cyclic involves electron cycling and produces only ATP, while non cyclic produces ATP, NADPH, and oxygen, with electrons flowing from water to NADP+.
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Dec 22, 2023
Does cyclic photophosphorylation involve photolysis of water?
No, it does not involve the photolysis of water.
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Dec 22, 2023
What is the role of cyclic photophosphorylation in photosynthesis?
It provides additional ATP for the Calvin cycle.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is oxygen produced in cyclic photophosphorylation?
No, oxygen is not produced in cyclic photophosphorylation.
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Dec 22, 2023
What is the electron donor in non cyclic photophosphorylation?
Water acts as the electron donor in non cyclic photophosphorylation.
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Dec 22, 2023
Does non cyclic photophosphorylation involve photolysis of water?
Yes, it involves the photolysis of water.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is NADPH produced in cyclic photophosphorylation?
No, NADPH is not produced in cyclic photophosphorylation.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is NADPH produced in non cyclic photophosphorylation?
Yes, NADPH is produced in non cyclic photophosphorylation.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is cyclic photophosphorylation essential for all plants?
It's not essential for all plants, but it provides supplementary ATP.
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Dec 22, 2023
Is non cyclic photophosphorylation essential for all plants?
Yes, it's essential for ATP and NADPH production in all photosynthetic plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What is the electron donor in cyclic photophosphorylation?
The electron donor is chlorophyll itself.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What powers cyclic photophosphorylation?
Light energy powers cyclic photophosphorylation.
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Dec 22, 2023
What powers non cyclic photophosphorylation?
Light energy powers non cyclic photophosphorylation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
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