How Does the Proton Motive Force Lead to Production of ATP

Question

How does the proton motive force lead to production of ATP?
A) ATPase requires one proton to make one ATP.
B) Protons must be pumped against a concentration gradient from outside of the cell into the cell to rotate the F₀ subunit of ATPase for the F₁ subunit to make ATP.
C) Oxidative phosphorylation of ADP by ATP synthase requires protons as cofactors in the reaction.
D) Translocation of three to four protons drives the F₀ component of ATPase which in turn phosphorylates one ADP into ATP.

Accepted Answer

The proton motive force drives the rotation of the F₀ component of ATP synthase (ATPase), which is coupled to the phosphorylation of ADP into ATP. This process typically requires the translocation of three to four protons across the membrane per ATP synthesized, not just one proton or protons acting as cofactors in the reaction.