Question

Summarize the chemiosmotic theory.

Short answer

The chemiosmotic theory links the electron transport chain to the ATP synthesis

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Chemiosmotic theory

The chemiosmotic theory explains how the energy generated during respiration is utilized to drive the synthesis of ATP.Peter Mitchell proposed the chemiosmotic theory.

Process of Chemiosmotic theory

• According to this hypothesis,electron transport energy drives an active transport system that pumps protons out of the mitochondrial matrix and into the intermembrane gap.
• This action produces an electrochemical gradient for protons, with a higher pH value outside than inside the inner mitochondrial membrane.
• Outside protons have a thermodynamic inclination to flow back into the matrix, bringing the pH level back to normal.
• When protons return to the matrix, their energy (also called proton motive force) is utilized for ATP production.