Explain how an electrochemical gradient is used for ATP synt

Explain how an electrochemical gradient is used for ATP synthesis. Why do the electrons move as they do? How is the movement of electrons connected to the flow of protons? How does the flow of protons result in the synthesis of a molecule of ATP?

Solution

Answer : The overall mechanism of ATP synthesis can be explained by peter Mitchell\'s chemiosmatic hypothesis of ATP synthesis.

According to this model, Flow of electrons during electron transport chain generates both Chemical gradient (difference in solute concentration) and an electrical gradient (difference in charge across) across the inner mitochondrial membrane by pumping protons in to the perimitochondrial space. This separation of charge across the inner mitochondrial membrane in turn generates proto motive force (PMF). This proton-motive force drives the protons from perimitochondrial space back into the matrix through a proton pore associated with ATP synthase/F0-F1 complex resulting in the synthesis of ATP using ADP and Pi in the mitochondrial matrix.

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