What is the primary role of protons in oxidative phosphorylation?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the function of protons in the process of oxidative phosphorylation, specifically which option describes their primary role. This involves understanding the biochemical processes in cellular respiration.
Answer
Protons create a gradient for ATP production.
The primary role of protons in oxidative phosphorylation is to create a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane. This gradient stores potential energy which is later used in chemiosmosis to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Answer for screen readers
The primary role of protons in oxidative phosphorylation is to create a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane. This gradient stores potential energy which is later used in chemiosmosis to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
More Information
The proton gradient is crucial because it drives the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate through a process called chemiosmosis, mediated by the enzyme ATP synthase.
Tips
A common mistake is misunderstanding the role of protons; they do not directly create ATP, but rather provide the energy to drive ATP synthesis via the gradient.
Sources
- Oxidative phosphorylation | Biology (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- NCBI Bookshelf - Biochemistry, Electron Transport Chain - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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