In Cellular Respiration, the Energy for Most ATP Synthesis Is

Question

In cellular respiration, the energy for most ATP synthesis is supplied by
A) high energy phosphate bonds in organic molecules.
B) a proton gradient across a membrane.
C) converting oxygen to ATP.
D) transferring electrons from organic molecules to pyruvate.
E) generating carbon dioxide and oxygen in the electron transport chain.

Accepted Answer

The majority of ATP synthesis in cellular respiration is powered by a proton gradient across a membrane. This gradient is established during the electron transport chain, as electrons are passed along a series of carriers, causing protons to be pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The resulting concentration gradient of protons is then used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.