Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy

Oxidative Phosphorylation

GOB Chemistry

21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy

Oxidative Phosphorylation

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3:48 minutes

Problem 47

Textbook Question

According to the chemiosmotic theory, how does the proton gradient provide energy to synthesize ATP?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the chemiosmotic theory: This theory, proposed by Peter Mitchell, explains how ATP is synthesized in mitochondria and chloroplasts. It involves the movement of protons (H⁺ ions) across a membrane to create a gradient, which stores potential energy.

Recognize the role of the proton gradient: The proton gradient is established by the electron transport chain (ETC) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As electrons are passed along the ETC, protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a high concentration of protons outside the matrix.

Identify the energy source: The energy stored in the proton gradient is a form of potential energy, often referred to as the proton-motive force. This force is due to both the concentration gradient (difference in proton concentration) and the electrical gradient (difference in charge across the membrane).

Understand ATP synthase function: ATP synthase is an enzyme embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, driven by the proton-motive force. This flow of protons provides the energy needed for ATP synthase to catalyze the conversion of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Summarize the process: The proton gradient provides energy for ATP synthesis by coupling the movement of protons down their gradient (from high to low concentration) with the mechanical rotation of ATP synthase, which facilitates the phosphorylation of ADP to form ATP.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemiosmotic Theory

The chemiosmotic theory, proposed by Peter Mitchell, explains how ATP is generated in mitochondria and chloroplasts. It posits that energy from electron transport chains is used to pump protons (H+) across a membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient represents potential energy, which is harnessed to synthesize ATP as protons flow back across the membrane through ATP synthase.

Proton Gradient

A proton gradient is a difference in proton concentration across a membrane, resulting in a higher concentration of protons on one side. This gradient creates an electrochemical potential, which is a form of stored energy. In cellular respiration and photosynthesis, the proton gradient is crucial for driving the synthesis of ATP, as protons move down their concentration gradient through ATP synthase.

ATP Synthase

ATP synthase is an enzyme complex located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. It utilizes the energy from the flow of protons down their gradient to catalyze the conversion of ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP. This process, known as oxidative phosphorylation in respiration and photophosphorylation in photosynthesis, is essential for energy production in cells.

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