Question

In what ways is the inner mitochondrial membrane essential to the coupling of electron transport and ATP synthesis? Could the membrane carry out its function if its lipid bilayer were readily permeable to hydrogen ions (protons)?

Answer 1

No. The Hydrogen Ions build up on one side and then rush out through gap where an enzyme called atp synthase binds then into ATP It sort of like water buildup in a dam until the water rushing out spins turbines really fast to make electricity.
if the dam where full of holes there wuldnt be enough pressure concentrated at the ATP synthase gaps in the lipid bi layer