Where Does the Energy That Drives ATP Synthesis Come From

Question

Where does the energy that drives ATP synthesis come from? A) The proton gradient. B) NAD⁺ and FAD. C) The electron gradient. D) The oxidation states of the complexes. E) Molecular oxygen.

Accepted Answer

The energy that drives ATP synthesis comes from the proton gradient generated across the inner mitochondrial membrane as protons are pumped out of the matrix during electron transport. This proton gradient creates a voltage and an electrochemical potential difference that drives ATP synthase to produce ATP.

Answer: B
 NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the electron transport chain, which eventually results in the pumping of protons out of the matrix to create a proton gradient. This proton gradient is then used to drive ATP synthesis by ATP synthase.

Answer: C
 The energy that drives ATP synthesis comes from the electron gradient generated during electron transport. This gradient is used to establish a proton gradient, which in turn drives ATP synthesis.

Answer: D
 The oxidation states of the complexes in the electron transport chain play a critical role in generating the electron gradient and proton gradient necessary for ATP synthesis.

Answer: E
 Molecular oxygen is not directly involved in ATP synthesis but is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the electron transport chain and ATP production.