Question

Imagine an organism with mutations in complexes I, III, and IV that prevent pumping of hydrogen ions into the intermembrane space but still allow electrons to pass through the electron transport chain. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of these mutations?

a. the mobile electron carriers q and cyt c will no longer pass electrons through the electron transport chain.
b. oxygen will not accept electrons and combine with 2 h+ to form water at the end of the electron transport chain.
c. atp synthase will not convert adp to atp.
d. nadh and fadh2 will not donate new electrons to the electron transport chain

Answer 1

The most likely consequence of mutations that prevent pumping of hydrogen ions but allow electron passage in the electron transport chain is that ATP synthase will not be able to convert ADP to ATP. (Option c)

Step-by-step explanation:

If an organism has mutations in complexes I, III, and IV that prevent the pumping of hydrogen ions into the intermembrane space but still allow electrons to pass through the electron transport chain, the most likely consequence of these mutations would be that ATP synthase will not convert ADP to ATP. This is because the creation of ATP by ATP synthase is directly tied to the proton gradient established by the pumping of hydrogen ions into the intermembrane space. Without this gradient, there is no driving force for ATP synthesis.

The mobile electron carriers ubiquinone (Q) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) would still be able to pass electrons through the electron transport chain, and oxygen could still combine with electrons and protons to form water, indicating that options a and b are not correct. Additionally, the donation of electrons by NADH and FADH2 to the electron transport chain is not directly affected by the pumping of hydrogen ions, hence option d is also not correct.

Answer 2

A the mobile electron and carrier wand cyt c will no longer pass electrons through the electron transport