Question

Which statement best describes the events that take place within the inner mitochondrial membrane?

A electrons gain energy as they move through the membrane
B atp synthase moves through ions to produce inetic energy
C electrons flow along a protien pathway to produce ATP
D molecules move along the pathway of the kerbs cycle

Answer 1

Within the inner mitochondrial membrane, electrons transferred by NADH and FADH2 flow through the electron transport chain, releasing energy to generate an electrochemical gradient which ATP synthase uses to produce ATP, a process known as chemiosmosis. Option number C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the site of the electron transport chain (ETC) during aerobic respiration. The correct statement that best describes the events that take place within the inner mitochondrial membrane is that electrons flow along a protein pathway to produce ATP. High-energy electrons donated by NADH and FADH2 move from one carrier to another within the membrane, releasing energy as they go. This energy is utilized to pump hydrogen ions (H+) across the inner membrane into the intermembrane space, thereby creating an electrochemical gradient.

When H+ ions flow back into the mitochondrial matrix, they pass through ATP synthase, which harnesses the energy of the electrochemical gradient to synthesize ATP in a process called chemiosmosis. This coupled reaction of electron transport and ATP synthesis is known as oxidative phosphorylation. The synthesized ATP is then available to the cell as an energy source for various metabolic processes.