In cellular respiration, electrons are moved along a series of membrane proteins during the electron transport chain. If there was a mutation in the DNA coding for each of the proton pumps of the electron transport chain such that these proteins became non- functional, what would you predict to occur? A) Protons would not be moved from the matrix to the intermembrane space and so ATP synthase would not be activated. B) NADH and FADH₂would have to donate their electrons directly to ATP synthase in order for ATP synthesis to occur. C) All electrons would have to be stripped from water instead of NADH and FADH2 to create the proton gradient needed to power ATP synthase. D) Protons would no longer be moved from the intermembrane space to the matrix and so ATP synthase would not be activated.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Proton pumps in the electron transport chain are responsible for moving protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. ATP synthase relies on the flow of these protons back into the matrix to generate ATP. If the proton pumps were non-functional, this gradient would not be established, and ATP synthase would not be activated, leading to a significant decrease in ATP production.

In Cellular Respiration, Electrons Are Moved Along a Series of Membrane