Question

Proton flow through the ATP synthase enzyme
A. provides the energy for adding a phosphate to ADP to make ATP. results in the release of ATP from its tightly bound state in the active site.
B. produces local pH changes in the active site which alter the equilibrium constant for the reaction.
C. provides the free energy needed for ADP to bind to the enzyme.

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is A. provides the energy for adding a phosphate to ADP to make ATP.

Explanation:

The ATP synthase is an enzyme located in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. It creates a hydrophilic channel across the inner mitochondrial membrane that allows a flux of protons that moves down an electrochemical gradient. These H+ ions are then used as an energy source during the enzymatic reaction that converts ADP + Pi to ATP. This process is called chemiosmois and it’s not unique to cellular respiration, it is also used in photosynthesis and other processes involved in homeostasis. The proton-motive force, as some people refer to the proton gradient was first proposed by Peter Mitchel in the 1960’s as the chemiosmotic theory.