Final answer:
ATP synthase is located in the mitochondria of non-photosynthetic eukaryotes, specifically in the inner mitochondrial membrane, participating in ATP production during oxidative phosphorylation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme ATP synthase is located in the mitochondria of non-photosynthetic eukaryotic cells. Specifically, it is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it plays a critical role in the process of oxidative phosphorylation. During this process, ATP synthase synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, using the energy derived from the flow of protons (H+) across the membrane, which creates a proton gradient. This gradient is a result of the electron transport chain activity that occurs on the same membrane.
In comparison, ATP synthase in prokaryotes is located in the cytoplasmic membrane. The key difference lies in the cell structure as prokaryotes lack mitochondria. The process is similar, where protons accumulate on one side of the membrane due to the electron transport system (ETS), creating the potential energy for ATP synthesis.