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Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the flow of energy during electron transport and ATP synthesis?
A
ATP is directly synthesized from the movement of electrons through the chain.
B
Electrons are used to directly convert ADP to ATP without a proton gradient.
C
Protons are pumped into the mitochondrial matrix, generating ATP directly.
D
Electrons move through the chain, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the electron transport chain (ETC) in cellular respiration. The ETC is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is responsible for creating a proton gradient across the membrane.
Recognize that as electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes in the ETC, energy is released. This energy is used to pump protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient.
Identify that the proton gradient represents stored potential energy. This gradient is often referred to as the proton-motive force.
Learn that ATP synthesis is driven by the flow of protons back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, a process known as chemiosmosis. The movement of protons through ATP synthase provides the energy needed to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP.
Conclude that the correct representation of energy flow during electron transport and ATP synthesis is: Electrons move through the chain, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.