Question

Explain why an intact, impermeable mitochondrial membrane is essential for ATP synthesis.

Short answer

The impermeable nature of the inner membrane of the mitochondria allows a hydrogen ion gradient to occur, which drives ATP synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Oxidative phosphorylation

Oxidative phosphorylation is a process in which the production of ATP is linked to the passage of electrons via the mitochondrial electron transport chain and the consumption of oxygen.

For ATP synthesis, an impermeable mitochondrial membrane is required.

• The inner membrane of the mitochondria is known to be impervious to tiny ions and other compounds, while the outer membrane is ion permeable.
• Because the inner mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to ions, it prevents protons from being dissipated across the membrane. As a result, the inter-membrane gap contains a larger concentration of H+ ions, establishing and maintaining a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane required for ATP synthesis.