Question

question 14 of 20
a proton gradient is formed in the mitochondria such that the concentration of protons (h⁺) is higher on one side of mitochondrial membrane than on the other side.
what is the purpose of this proton gradient?
○ generates atp in the electron transport chain
○ generates nadh in the citric acid cycle
○ generates pyruvate in glycolysis
○ generates atp in glycolysis

Explanation:

The proton - motive force generated by the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP during oxidative phosphorylation in the electron - transport chain. NADH is generated in the citric acid cycle through redox reactions, not by the proton gradient. Pyruvate is generated in glycolysis through a series of enzymatic reactions, not by the proton gradient. And ATP generation in glycolysis occurs through substrate - level phosphorylation, not related to the mitochondrial proton gradient.

Answer:

generates ATP in the electron transport chain