A gardener is concerned about some of the insect pests in his yard, including Japanese beetles that are destroying his flowering plants. He uses a pesticide that contains diphenol phosphates. This toxin makes holes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This toxin kills all insects, not just the pest species, and can also be toxic to vertebrates. A hole in the inner mitochondrial membrane means that there is a(n) __________ in the concentration gradient of H⁺ ions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hole in the inner mitochondrial membrane would disrupt the proton gradient (H+ ions) that is essential for ATP production. Normally, protons are pumped across this membrane to create a high concentration of protons in the intermembrane space relative to the matrix. A hole would allow protons to flow back across the membrane without generating ATP, leading to a decrease in the proton gradient.

A Gardener Is Concerned About Some of the Insect Pests