The energy of electron transport serves to move (translocate) protons to the outer mitochondrial compartment. How does this help the mitochondrion produce ATP?
A) The hydrogen ions (protons) are transferred to oxygen in an energy-releasing reaction.
B) The translocation of protons sets up the electrochemical gradient that drives ATP synthesis in the mitochondria.
C) The protons pick up electrons from the electron transport chain on their way through the inner mitochondrial membrane.
D) The protons receive electrons from the NAD+ and FAD that are accepted by electrons in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The translocation of protons creates an electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, with a higher concentration of protons in the outer compartment and a lower concentration in the inner compartment. This gradient stores potential energy that can be used to synthesize ATP through the action of ATP synthase, which harnesses the flow of protons back into the inner compartment to generate ATP. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation and accounts for the majority of ATP production in the cell.

The Energy of Electron Transport Serves to Move (Translocate) Protons