How do organisms generate ATP?

Plants - harness light energy into chemical energy of ATP (photosynthesis) Eukaryotes- extract high energy electrons from fuels (mostly sugars) to synthesise ATP. This process is called oxidative phosphorylation and occurs in three key steps: 1)electrons flow through the mitochondrial electron transport chain to reduce oxygen, resulting in formation of a water molecule 2) the electron flow results in pumping of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, from matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a proton motive force or gradient  3) protons flow black into the matrix through ATP synthase, resulting in synthesis of ATP (chemiosmosis) 

MP
Answered by Mihai P. Biology tutor

3345 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the roles of ATP and calcium ions in muscle contraction. (4 marks)


Describe the structure of proteins


Describe the role of haemoglobin in supplying oxygen to the tissues of the body?


What are the four bases found in DNA and how do they bond.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning