Chemiosmosis

Question 1

What is chemiosmosis

Answer 1

A process that moves protons against the their gradient, which is used to produce ATP

Question 2

How chemiosmosis works

Answer 2

Proton Accumulation:
• Protons (H⁺) accumulate in the intermembrane space of the mitochondria, creating a high concentration of protons.
2. Electrochemical Gradient:
• This accumulation creates an electrochemical gradient (difference in both concentration and charge), which drives the protons to flow back into the mitochondrial matrix.
3. Impenetrable Membrane:
• The inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to protons, so they cannot diffuse passively back into the matrix.
4. ATP Synthase Channel:
• A protein channel called ATP synthase provides a pathway for the protons to flow back into the matrix.
5. Energy Release:
• As protons flow through ATP synthase, they release free energy stored in the electrochemical gradient.
6. ATP Production:
• ATP synthase uses the released energy to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
7. Chemiosmosis:
• This movement of protons through ATP synthase and the production of ATP is called chemiosmosis.
8. Part of Oxidative Phosphorylation:
• This process is a key component of oxidative phosphorylation, which is the final step of cellular respiration.