Question

What would happen if complexes I-IV of the electron transport chain pumped protons in the opposite direction?

a. Too much ATP would be synthesized.
b. None of the other answer options is correct.
c. No ATP would be synthesized.
d. There would be too many electrons in the mitochondrial matrix.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - c. No ATP would be synthesized.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the electron transport chain there are four complexes, complexes I-IV, pumps the protons from the matrix of the mitochondria into the intermembrane space. This is the downhill movement of the electrons that helps in synthesizing the ATP molecules.

If the complexes move or pump the electron uphill or against the gradient there would be no ATP formation as there would be no interchange of proton and electron interchange.