The chemiosmotic coupling hypothesis of oxidative phosphorylation proposes that Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is formed because:
high energy bonds are formed in mitochondrial proteins
ADP is pumped out of the matrix into the inter-membrane space
a proton gradient forms across the inner membrane
there is a change in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane toward Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)
the mechanism of membrane-linked ATP synthesis is explained by the chemiosmotic hypothesis. In oxidative phosphorylation (mitochondria), the energy released during the electron transport system is utilized to create a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is the breakdown of this gradient (as protons move back to the matrix through ATP synthase) that provides the energy for the synthesis of ATP.
Join thousands of students and practice with AI-generated mock tests.