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Multiple Choice
Which of the following metabolic pathways generates a proton gradient?
A
Glycolysis
B
Fermentation
C
Electron Transport Chain
D
Citric Acid Cycle
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the concept of a proton gradient. A proton gradient is a difference in proton concentration across a membrane, which is crucial for ATP synthesis in cellular respiration.
Identify the metabolic pathways listed: Glycolysis, Fermentation, Electron Transport Chain, and Citric Acid Cycle. Each of these plays a role in cellular respiration but has distinct functions.
Recall that the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is responsible for creating a proton gradient. It does this by transferring electrons through a series of complexes, which pump protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space.
Understand that the proton gradient generated by the ETC is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP. This process is known as chemiosmosis.
Recognize that neither Glycolysis, Fermentation, nor the Citric Acid Cycle directly generates a proton gradient. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, Fermentation is an anaerobic process, and the Citric Acid Cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, primarily producing electron carriers for the ETC.