Which of the following organisms is known to perform non-cyclic photophosphorylation?

Non-cyclic photophosphorylation is a process that occurs during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, primarily in plants and algae. This process involves the absorption of light energy to energize electrons, which are then passed along an electron transport chain. As electrons move through this chain, they facilitate ATP production and generate NADPH, both of which are crucial for the subsequent light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).

In plants and algae, non-cyclic photophosphorylation involves two photosystems (Photosystem I and Photosystem II) operating in sequence. Light energy is captured by chlorophyll and used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. The energized electrons from Photosystem II are ultimately transferred to NADP+ to form NADPH, while ATP is generated through chemiosmosis.

Other organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, typically rely on different mechanisms of energy conversion that do not involve the transport of electrons in this non-cyclic fashion. Fungi do not perform photosynthesis at all and viruses lack the cellular machinery necessary for photosynthetic processes. Therefore, the specific processes of non-cyclic photophosphorylation are exclusive to plants and algae, making them the correct answer for this question.