AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Hydrogen ions in the matrix space can only pass through the inner mitochondrial membrane through a membrane protein called ATP synthase. As protons move through ATP synthase, ADP is turned into ATP. The production of ATP using the process of chemiosmosis in mitochondria is called oxidative phosphorylation.

Detailed explanation-2: -During electron transport, energy is used to pump hydrogen ions across the mitochondrial inner membrane, from the matrix into the intermembrane space. A chemiosmotic gradient causes hy drogen ions to flow back across the mitochondrial membrane into the matrix, through ATP synthase, producing ATP.

Detailed explanation-3: -The process of ATP synthesis using “free energy” obtained through the passing-on of electrons to several carriers (ETC) is known as chemiosmosis. The actual point of the synthesis of ATP takes place when electrons pass the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Detailed explanation-4: -What is chemiosmosis? In biology, chemiosmosis refers to the process of moving ions (e.g. protons) to the other side of a biological membrane, and as a result, an electrochemical gradient is generated. This can then be used to drive ATP synthesis.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ultimately, chemiosmosis or ATP synthesis occurs at complex V or ATP synthase via an endergonic reaction induced by the electrochemical gradient, resulting in the movement of protons through the ATP synthase (complex V) into the mitochondrial matrix, and transferring an inorganic phosphate to ADP.