Question

when the protein gramicidin is integrated into a membrane, an h channel forms and the membrane becomes very permeable to protons ( h ions). if gramicidin is added to an actively respiring muscle cell, how would it affect the various processes involved in cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation? (assume that gramicidin does not affect the product

Answer 1

Gramicidin forms a proton channel in cell membranes, disrupting the proton motive force vital for ATP synthase to function effectively in oxidative phosphorylation, leading to impaired ATP production.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the protein gramicidin is integrated into a membrane, it forms a channel that allows protons to freely permeate the membrane. This disrupts the normal function of ATP synthase, which relies on a proton motive force to drive the synthesis of ATP. Normally, protons are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient, which is also a pH gradient, is known as the proton motive force and is critical for oxidative phosphorylation, a process that generates ATP. When gramicidin disrupts this gradient by allowing protons to leak back into the mitochondrial matrix without passing through ATP synthase, this reduces the capacity to produce ATP, thus impeding efficient cellular respiration.