What is the role of ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the role of ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation?
To transport electrons
To pump protons
To synthesize ATP
To oxidize NADH
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the role of ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation?
Step 1: Understand that ATP synthase is an enzyme found in the mitochondria of cells.
Step 2: Know that oxidative phosphorylation is a process that produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Step 3: Learn that during this process, electrons are transferred through a series of proteins, creating a proton gradient (more protons on one side of the membrane).
Step 4: Recognize that this proton gradient creates potential energy, similar to water behind a dam.
Step 5: Realize that ATP synthase uses this potential energy to allow protons to flow back across the membrane.
Step 6: As protons flow through ATP synthase, it catalyzes the reaction that combines ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate to form ATP.
