Question

Chemiosmotic theory of ATP synthesis in mitochondria is based on

• A. K${}^{+}$ gradient.
• B. H${}^{+}$ gradient.
• C. Na${}^{+}$ gradient.
• D. Ca${}^{2+}$ gradient.

Answer 1

The correct option is B H${}^{+}$ gradient.

Peter Mitchell proposed that an electrochemical concentration gradient of protons across a membrane could be utilized to make ATP. He linked this process to osmosis, the diffusion of water across a membrane, this is the reason it is called chemiosmosis. More specifically, it relates to the generation of ATP by the movement of hydrogen ions across a membrane during cellular respiration. Hydrogen ions (protons) will diffuse from an area of high proton concentration to an area of lower proton concentration.

So the correct option is '$H^{+}$ gradient'.