Q. The chemiosmotic coupling hypothesis of oxidative phosphorylation proposes that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is formed because
A) There is a change in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane toward adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
B) High energy bonds are formed in mitochondrial proteins
C) ADP is pumped out of the matrix into the intermembrane space
D) A proton gradient forms across the inner membrane
Explanation
[Solution from source] According to the chemiosmotic hypothesis, the electron transport chain pumps protons into the intermembrane space, building a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Protons flowing back through F₀-F₁ ATP synthase drive ATP formation; high-energy protein intermediates were part of an older, rejected hypothesis. Answer (4).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.