When mitochondria are actively carrying out aerobic respiration
A) the pH of the matrix is greater than the pH of the intermembrane space.
B) the pH of the matrix is less than the pH of the intermembrane space.
C) the pH of the matrix is about the same as the pH of the intermembrane space.
D) the pH of the matrix versus the intermembrane space has nothing to do with whether not aerobic respiration is occurring.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During aerobic respiration, protons (H+) are pumped from the matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. This results in a higher concentration of H+ in the intermembrane space, making it more acidic (lower pH) compared to the matrix, which becomes more alkaline (higher pH).

When Mitochondria Are Actively Carrying Out Aerobic Respiration