Question

Which statement best deseribes how an electrochemical gradlent is linked to the electron transport chain?

a. The exergonic transport of electrons is directly coupled to the endergonic transfer of protons from the intermembane space to the mitochondrial matrix.
b. The exergonic transfer of protons from the mitochondrial membrane to the intermembrane space is directly coupled to the endergonic transport of electrons.
c. The exergonic transport of electrons is directly coupled to the endergonic transfer of protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space.
d. The exergonic transfer of protons from the intermembrane space to the mitochondrial matrix is directly coupled to the endergonic transport of electrons.

Answer 1

The electrochemical gradient is linked to the electron transport chain through a process called chemiosmosis. The transport of electrons through the respiratory chain pumps protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This proton gradient is used by ATP synthase to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electrochemical gradient is linked to the electron transport chain through a process called chemiosmosis. In this process, the exergonic transport of electrons is directly coupled to the endergonic transfer of protons from the intermembrane space to the mitochondrial matrix. The transport of electrons through the respiratory chain pumps protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This proton gradient is used by ATP synthase to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.