cyclic electron flow

Cyclic electron flow is a process in photosynthesis that occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. It involves the transfer of electrons through an electron transport chain, which helps generate a proton gradient. This gradient is then used to synthesize ATP, an energy-carrying molecule, through a process called photophosphorylation.1

Unlike noncyclic electron flow, cyclic electron flow does not result in the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH or the splitting of water molecules. Instead, electrons are recycled back to the electron transport chain, with the primary purpose of ATP production. The relative amounts of cyclic and noncyclic flow can be adjusted based on the plant's physiological needs for ATP and NADPH.12