8 Questions
Explain how high-energy electrons are used to transport hydrogen ions across the membrane during electron transport.
High-energy electrons passing down the electron transport chain are used to transport hydrogen ions (H+) across the membrane. As the electrons pass down the chain, their energy is used to pump H+ ions across the membrane, creating a charge difference.
What is the role of the inner mitochondrial membrane in the synthesis of ATP?
The inner mitochondrial membrane contains enzymes known as ATP synthases, which are responsible for the synthesis of ATP. The charge difference across the membrane forces H+ ions through channels in these enzymes, causing the ATP synthases to spin and produce ATP.
How does the charge difference across the membrane create a biological 'battery'?
The charge difference across the membrane, with the intermembrane space becoming positively charged relative to the matrix, creates a biological 'battery' by storing potential energy that can power the synthesis of ATP.
What is the function of ATP synthases in the production of ATP?
ATP synthases are responsible for producing ATP by grabbing an ADP molecule and attaching a phosphate group with each rotation, as H+ ions rush back across the membrane, causing the ATP synthases to spin and generate ATP.
How do the H+ ions contribute to the generation of ATP during electron transport?
The H+ ions, which build up in the intermembrane space during electron transport, rush back across the membrane with enough force to spin the ATP synthase and generate enormous amounts of ATP.
How does the inner mitochondrial membrane create a charge difference during electron transport?
The inner mitochondrial membrane creates a charge difference by allowing high-energy electrons to pass down the electron transport chain, using their energy to transport hydrogen ions (H+) across the membrane. This leads to a buildup of H+ ions in the intermembrane space, making it positively charged relative to the matrix.
What is the role of ATP synthases in the generation of ATP during electron transport?
ATP synthases, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, use the charge difference across the membrane to force H+ ions through channels, causing the ATP synthases to spin. With each rotation, the enzyme grabs an ADP molecule and attaches a phosphate group, producing ATP.
How are enormous amounts of ATP generated during electron transport?
Enormous amounts of ATP are generated as the H+ ions rush back across the membrane with enough force to spin the ATP synthase and produce ATP. This process is driven by the charge difference across the membrane, which acts as a biological 'battery' that powers the synthesis of ATP.
Test your knowledge of cellular respiration and the electron transport chain with this quiz. Explore how high-energy electrons move through the chain and how hydrogen ions are involved in creating a charge difference across the mitochondrial membrane.
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