Question

Where does the production of ATP in eukaryotic cells mainly occur?

Answer 1

Production of ATP occur in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is composed of proton pumps called ATP synthases. ATP synthase protrudes out to the matrix of mitocondria from the inner membrane like lollipops. During electron transport chain, when electrons move through electron transporters by a series of redox reactions, a potential gradient is formed. Due to the gradient , hydrogen ions (protons) are pumped to the matrix of mitocondria through ATP synthase. This flow of H+ ions leads to a conformational change in the pump which leads to the production of ATP.