Question

The generation of ATP by the movement of hydrogen ions down their concentration gradient across a membrane occurs because of a process called

a.
chemiosmosis

b.
diffusion

c.
reverse osmosis

d.
passive transport

Answer 1

Chemiosmosis is the process by which ATP is generated as hydrogen ions move down their electrochemical gradient across a membrane through ATP synthase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The generation of ATP by the movement of hydrogen ions down their concentration gradient across a membrane occurs because of a process called chemiosmosis. Within mitochondria, this process involves protons (H+ ions) being pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane to create a proton concentration gradient and an electrical gradient, collectively known as an electrochemical gradient. Chemiosmosis is the flow of these ions across the semi-permeable inner mitochondrial membrane through a protein complex called ATP synthase. As protons flow back into the matrix via ATP synthase, driven by this gradient, mechanical energy is converted to chemical energy, permitting the synthesis of ATP from ADP and an inorganic phosphate.

Answer 2

a. chemiosmosis is the movement of ions across a semipermeable membrane bound structure, down their electrochemical gradient. An example of this would be the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the movement of hydrogen ions (H+) across a membrane during cellular respiration or photosynthesis.