Question

Chemiosmotic theory of ATP synthesis in the chloroplasts and mitochondria is based on:

• A. Membrane potential
• B. Accumulation of $K^{+}$ ions
• C. Proton gradient
• D. Accumulation of $N{a}^{+}$ ions

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Proton gradient

The chemiosmotic hypothesis suggests that the action of ATP synthase is coupled with that of a proton gradient. It is the action of the proton gradient that causes a proton motive force that allows ATP synthase to phosphorylate ADP and inorganic phosphate to ATP.