Final answer:
The electron transport chain pumps protons from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, not into the matrix, in order to create a proton gradient used for ATP synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the electron transport chain pumps protons into the mitochondrial matrix is false. In fact, the electron transport chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it functions to shuttle electrons from electron carriers NADH and FADH₂ to molecular oxygen. The energy released from these electron transfers is used to pump protons from the mitochondrial matrix across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is then used to drive the synthesis of ATP as protons flow back into the matrix through ATP synthase during chemiosmosis.