Question

In the final stage of the oxidation of food molecules, a gradient of protons is formed across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is normally impermeable to protons. If cells were exposed to an agent that causes the membrane to become freely permeable to protons, which of the following effects would you expect to observe? (Choose one option only)a)Cells would be completely unable to synthesize ATP.b) NADH would build up.c)Carbon dioxide production would cease.d)consumption of oxygen would fall.e)ATP synthase would not be able to make ATP

Answer 1

the correct answer is E

Step-by-step explanation:

Althoug the other options may be correct, they would be indirect consequencies of the permeable membrane described.

The protons-gradient loss would affect immediately the ATP synthase. This enzymatic complex involves several proteins that act together: some of them change their three-dimentional conformation when protons pass through them and after this others are capable of catalyze the chemical bound between ADP and P (phosphate).