Question

A proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane is a requisite for the synthesis of ATP. What contributes to the creation of this proton gradient?

A) more protons in the mitochondrial matrix than in the inter membrane space of the mitochondrial.

B) more protons in the inter membrane space of the mitochondrial than in the mitochondrial matrix.

C) equal number of protons in the mitochondrial matrix and the inter membrane space of the mitochondrial.

Answer 1

A proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane is the result of B) more protons in the intermembrane space of the mitochondrial than in the mitochondrial matrix. The proton gradient is created by pumping hydrogen out of the matrix space. Since hydrogen is pumped through ATP synthase, its enzymatic activity allows synthesis of ATP.