Chloroplasts preloaded with protons by light-induced proton uptake do not synthesize ATP in a following dark period if the proton concentration gradient (ApH) is lower than 2.5-3.0 pH units. At such suboptimal ApH values synthesis of ATP can be obtained by imposing a diffusion potential across the chloroplast membrane. This potential was realized by providing a high external concentration of either KC1 in the presence of valinomycin or of NaCl in the presence of monactin. Diffusion-potential-induced stimulation of ATP synthesis was observed both in chloroplasts and in bacterial chromatophores.The stimulation could be abolished by the addition of a highly permeant anion, like picrate.It is proposed that the effect of the diffusion potential indicates that an increase in the electrochemical gradient of protons can be coupled to the synthesis of ATP.ATP synthesis coupled to the flow of cations down their gradients has been demonstrated in several systems that contain an ATP-driven ion pump. In erythrocytes high external sodium concentration together with high internal potassium induced ATP synthesis by the reversal of the Na+-Kf pump In chloroplasts proton gradients generate high yields of ATP provided the chloroplasts are loaded with a sufficient number of protons and the pH gradient is large. These requirements are met both in acid-base transition or in post illumination-type experiments [13]. In both cases it can be assumed that proton concentration gradient reverses the ATP-driven proton pump [9,13]. We have recently shown that it is possible to stimulate ATP synthesis both in acid-base transition and postillumination experiments by imposing a diffusion potential on a