Question

what is the role of membranes in ATP synthesis?

Answer 1

Cellular Respiration and photosynthesis are two processes that lead to production of ATP. They work through the activity of a protein called ATP synthase. ATP synthase works based upon the process called diffusion, where molecules (in this case hydrogen ions) move from an area of high concentration to low concentration. Membranes provide the barrier to separate area that is high in H+ (hydrogen ions/protons) to one that is low. The energy that is required for H+ to traverse the membrane is coupled to ATP synthase which drives it to generate ATP. Check the links for more information. Essentially, membranes allow this concentration gradient to exist which provides the energy to mediate ATP synthesis.