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Multiple Choice
Why must the electron transport chain proteins and molecules be embedded in a membrane?
A
To prevent the leakage of ATP into the cytoplasm.
B
To allow direct transfer of electrons to oxygen.
C
To facilitate the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate.
D
To create a proton gradient necessary for ATP synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the electron transport chain (ETC) in cellular respiration. The ETC is a series of protein complexes and molecules located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitate the transfer of electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.
Recognize the importance of the membrane in the ETC. The inner mitochondrial membrane is crucial because it provides a barrier that allows for the establishment of a proton gradient across the membrane.
Learn how the proton gradient is created. As electrons move through the ETC, protons (H⁺ ions) are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a concentration gradient.
Understand the role of the proton gradient in ATP synthesis. The gradient represents potential energy, which is used by ATP synthase, an enzyme embedded in the membrane, to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate as protons flow back into the matrix.
Recognize why the membrane is essential for this process. Without the membrane, the proton gradient could not be maintained, and ATP synthesis would be inefficient or impossible, highlighting the necessity of the ETC proteins and molecules being embedded in a membrane.