Final answer:
As protons move down their concentration gradient in the electron transport chain, electrons are passed along the chain, releasing energy. The movement of electrons creates a proton gradient, which powers ATP synthesis through the action of ATP synthase.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the electron transport chain, as protons move down their concentration gradient, electrons are passed along the chain by carriers. These carriers are reduced when they receive an electron and oxidized when passing it to the next carrier. Each of these reactions releases a small amount of energy, which is used to pump hydrogen ions (H+) across the inner membrane. This accumulation of protons in the space between the membranes creates a proton gradient.
The movement of electrons through the electron transport chain releases energy, which is used to phosphorylate ADP, forming ATP. This process occurs when the hydrogen ions flow back through an integral membrane protein called ATP synthase. As the hydrogen ions move through ATP synthase, mechanical energy is created, facilitating the addition of a phosphate group to ADP.