Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

11. Aerobic Respiration

Mitochondria

Cell Biology

11. Aerobic Respiration

Mitochondria

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Cell Biology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

If protein X is inserted into the inner membrane of mitochondria and disrupts the electron transport chain, which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Protein synthesis in the cytoplasm will be directly inhibited.

The mitochondria will increase the rate of glycolysis.

ATP production will decrease due to impaired oxidative phosphorylation.

The mitochondrial matrix will become more acidic.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the electron transport chain (ETC): The ETC is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is responsible for creating a proton gradient by transferring electrons through a series of protein complexes. This gradient drives ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation.

Analyze the disruption caused by protein X: If protein X disrupts the ETC, the transfer of electrons and the pumping of protons into the intermembrane space will be impaired. This will reduce the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Connect the disruption to ATP production: The proton gradient is essential for ATP synthase to function. Without a sufficient gradient, ATP synthase cannot produce ATP efficiently, leading to a decrease in ATP production.

Rule out other options: Protein synthesis in the cytoplasm is not directly dependent on the ETC, so it will not be inhibited. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and may increase as a compensatory mechanism, but this is not the primary consequence. The mitochondrial matrix will not become more acidic; instead, it may become less acidic due to the reduced proton gradient.

Conclude the most likely consequence: The disruption of the ETC by protein X will impair oxidative phosphorylation, leading to a decrease in ATP production, which is the correct answer.