Question

1. Describe in words why protons crossing the inner mitochondrial membrane can power the synthesis of ATP, an otherwise unfavorable reaction. Your answer should be based on free energy.

Answer 1

The mitochondrial inner membrane is the site of electron transport chain, which is an important step in aerobic rrspiration. Between the inner and outer membrane space , the H+ ions build up to create a proton potential that helps the ATP energy formation. During electron transport, the participating protein complexes push protons from matrix out to the intermembrane space. This creates a concentration gradient of protons that another protein complex called ATP synthase, uses to power synthesis of the energy carrier molecule ATP.

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