Question

These small molecules accumulate in the intermembrane space and generate energy by utilizing ATP synthase.

A) FADH2

B) Protons

C) NADH

D) Electrons

Answer 1

Answer: Protons

Explanation:

In cellular respiration, oxidative phosphorylation is crucial step and is responsible for the production of majority of energy. oxidative phosphorylation involves series of protein complexes and proceeds mainly through two steps, first is the oxidation of NADH and FADH2, second is the phosphorylation. The oxidation of NADH and FADH2 leads to the pumping of protons into the intermembrane space via different protein complexes. When the protons re accumulated in the intermembrane space, the concentration of the protons will be higher outside the mitochondrial membrane. As a result the protons will be pushed through ATP synthase and this flow of protons causes ATP synthase to produce energy in the form of  ATP molecules.