Question

How is the proton motive force (PMF) utilized to generate ATP via chemiosmosis?

A) PMF drives the synthesis of glucose.
B) PMF directly synthesizes ATP.
C) PMF pumps protons into the mitochondria.
D) PMF powers ATP synthase to produce ATP.

Answer 1

The proton motive force (PMF) is used in chemiosmosis to generate ATP. The PMF powers ATP synthase to produce ATP as protons flow back across the membrane through the ATP synthase channel.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemiosmosis is the process by which the proton motive force (PMF) is utilized to generate ATP.

The PMF is a form of electrochemical potential energy that is created by the uneven distribution of protons (H+) across a membrane.

In oxidative phosphorylation, the PMF powers ATP synthase, a membrane-bound enzyme complex, to produce ATP as the protons flow back across the membrane through the ATP synthase channel.

This is an example of how the PMF is used to drive an energetically unfavorable process, resulting in the synthesis of ATP.