Question

Which statement most accurately summarizes the chemiosmotic hypothesis?

1) The chemiosmotic hypothesis explains how ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria.
2) The chemiosmotic hypothesis explains how electrons are transferred in photosynthesis.
3) The chemiosmotic hypothesis explains how enzymes catalyze reactions in cells.
4) The chemiosmotic hypothesis explains how DNA is replicated during cell division.

Answer 1

The chemiosmotic hypothesis accurately summarizes that ATP is synthesized in mitochondria via an electrochemical gradient that powers ATP synthase during oxidative phosphorylation.

So, the correct answer os option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that most accurately summarizes the chemiosmotic hypothesis is the chemiosmotic hypothesis explains how ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria. This hypothesis, proposed by Peter Mitchell, suggests that during the process of oxidative phosphorylation, an electrochemical gradient is established across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This gradient is the result of proton pumping by the electron transport chain, which leads to a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (protons) in the intermembrane space compared to the matrix.

The potential energy stored in this gradient drives the protons back into the matrix through a protein complex called ATP synthase. The flow of protons through ATP synthase provides the energy required for the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This process is also known as chemiosmosis and is central to cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells.

So, the correct answer os option 1.