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Multiple Choice
Which statement describes the proton gradient generated by the electron transport chain?
A
It directly provides electrons to oxygen to form water.
B
It transports protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol.
C
It is used to drive the synthesis of ATP through chemiosmosis.
D
It is responsible for the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate.
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 crucial for creating a proton gradient.
Recognize that the ETC does not directly provide electrons to oxygen to form water. Instead, it facilitates the transfer of electrons through a series of complexes, ultimately reducing oxygen to form water.
Clarify that the proton gradient generated by the ETC does not transport protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol. Instead, it moves protons from the matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a high concentration of protons outside the matrix.
Understand that the proton gradient is used to drive the synthesis of ATP through chemiosmosis. This process involves the movement of protons back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, which harnesses the energy to convert ADP to ATP.
Note that the proton gradient is not responsible for the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. Glycolysis, which occurs in the cytosol, is the process that breaks down glucose into pyruvate.