Question

When hydrogen ions diffuse across a membrane, energy is released. In botn aerobic respiration and photosynthesis, this energy is used to

a) make ATP.
b) convert light into electrons.
c) reduce electron carriers.
d) break down sugars.
e) generate oxygen.

Answer 1

In both aerobic respiration and photosynthesis, the diffusion of hydrogen ions across a membrane is used to synthesize ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells, via a process called chemiosmosis and oxidative phosphorylation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When hydrogen ions (diffuse across a membrane, such as in the processes of aerobic respiration and photosynthesis, energy is indeed released. This energy is used to synthesize ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy carrier in biological systems. During aerobic respiration and photosynthesis, an electrochemical gradient is established across the membrane by actively pumping hydrogen ions into a compartment, thereby allowing hydrogen ions to diffuse back through the membrane using ATP synthase. This process, known as chemiosmosis, ultimately leads to the production of ATP from ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (P1) through a mechanism known as oxidative phosphorylation.