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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the process of chemiosmosis in cellular respiration?
A
The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate in the cytoplasm
B
The movement of protons (H$^+$) across a membrane to generate ATP via ATP synthase
C
The synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water
D
The direct transfer of electrons from NADH to oxygen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'chemiosmosis': Chemiosmosis refers to the movement of ions (specifically protons, H⁺) across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient. This process is crucial in cellular respiration and photosynthesis for ATP production.
Identify the role of chemiosmosis in cellular respiration: During cellular respiration, chemiosmosis occurs in the mitochondria, specifically across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is part of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.
Explain the proton gradient: As electrons are passed along the electron transport chain, energy is released and used to pump protons (H⁺) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a high concentration of protons in the intermembrane space and a low concentration in the matrix.
Describe the role of ATP synthase: The protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, a protein complex embedded in the inner membrane. This flow of protons down their gradient provides the energy needed for ATP synthase to catalyze the conversion of ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP.
Connect chemiosmosis to ATP production: The movement of protons (H⁺) across the membrane via ATP synthase is the key step in chemiosmosis that directly leads to the generation of ATP, making it a central process in cellular respiration.