Question

A proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane is a requisite for the synthesis of ATP. What contributes to the creation of this proton gradient?

Answer 1

ATP synthase is the enzyme that makes ATP by chemiosmosis. It allows protons to pass through the membrane using the kinetic energy to phosphorylate ADP making ATP. The generation of ATP by chemiosmosis occurs in chloroplasts and mitochondria as well as in some bacteria.

Answer 2

Electron transport and ATP synthesis are coupled by a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane rather than by a covalent high-energy intermediate or an activated protein conformation. In his model, the transfer of electrons through the respiratory chain leads to the pumping of protons from the matrix to the cytosolic side of the inner mitochondrial membrane.