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ATP Synthesis Notes
ATP Synthesis Notes
Normal Electron Flow in the Electron Transport Chain (ETC): In the mitochondria,
the electron transport chain (ETC) is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
During aerobic respiration, electrons are transferred through a series of protein
complexes (Complex I, II, III, and IV) in the ETC. As electrons move through these
complexes, protons (H^+) are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix across the inner
membrane into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient.
Proton Gradient and ATP Synthesis: The pumping of protons creates a proton gradient
across the inner mitochondrial membrane, with a higher concentration of protons in
the intermembrane space compared to the mitochondrial matrix. This proton gradient
represents stored energy potential. Protons flow back into the matrix through ATP
synthase (Complex V), which harnesses the energy released by this flow to
synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This process is known as
oxidative phosphorylation.
Role of Ionophores: Ionophores are compounds that can disrupt the integrity of
biological membranes, including the inner mitochondrial membrane. They act as
carriers or channels that allow ions to pass through the membrane freely. When
ionophores are added to mitochondria, they make the inner mitochondrial membrane
permeable to protons, allowing protons to freely diffuse across the membrane
without passing through ATP synthase.
Effect on Electron Flow: Even when the inner mitochondrial membrane is made
permeable with ionophores, electron flow in the ETC continues. Electrons still move
through the ETC complexes and eventually combine with oxygen (O2) to form water
(H2O) at Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase). This process is known as the electron
transport chain uncoupling.
Impact on Proton Gradient and ATP Synthesis: However, since protons can freely
diffuse across the inner membrane through the ionophores, the proton gradient that
drives ATP synthesis is disrupted. Protons no longer accumulate in the
intermembrane space, and there is no longer a proton motive force to drive ATP
synthase. As a result, ATP synthesis cannot occur efficiently, even though electron
flow to oxygen continues.