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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures in the mitochondria is primarily responsible for synthesizing ATP during chemiosmosis?
A
Cytochrome c
B
ATP synthase
C
NADH dehydrogenase
D
Succinate dehydrogenase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of chemiosmosis: Chemiosmosis is the movement of ions (specifically H⁺ ions) across a membrane, which drives ATP synthesis. In mitochondria, this occurs across the inner mitochondrial membrane during cellular respiration.
Identify the role of ATP synthase: ATP synthase is an enzyme embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It uses the energy from the proton gradient created by the electron transport chain to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
Clarify the function of the other options: Cytochrome c is a protein involved in electron transport, transferring electrons between complexes III and IV. NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) and succinate dehydrogenase (Complex II) are part of the electron transport chain, but they do not directly synthesize ATP.
Relate ATP synthase to chemiosmosis: During chemiosmosis, protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, which harnesses this flow to catalyze the production of ATP.
Conclude that ATP synthase is the structure responsible for synthesizing ATP during chemiosmosis, as it directly performs this function using the proton gradient created by the electron transport chain.