What is the driving force for ATP synthesis by the ATP synthase enzyme? A) The electron transfers through the protein complexes. B) ADP + P_i $\rightarrow$ ATP C) The oxidation of NADH to NAD⁺. D) The pH gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

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The pH gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane is the driving force for ATP synthesis by the ATP synthase enzyme. This gradient is created by the electron transfers through the protein complexes during oxidative phosphorylation. Choice B is not a valid chemical reaction and choice C refers to a different process in cellular respiration.

What Is the Driving Force for ATP Synthesis by the ATP