Join the Most Relevant JEE Main 2025 Test Series & get 99+ percentile! Join Now
Search any question & find its solution
Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Chemiosmotic theory of ATP synthesis in the chloroplasts and mitochondria is based on:
BiologyRespiration in PlantsNEETNEET 2005
Options:
  • A membrane potential
  • B accumulation of $\mathrm{Na}$ ions
  • C accumulation of $\mathrm{K}$ ions
  • D proton gradient.
Solution:
2247 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: proton gradient.
According to the chemiosmosis theory of ATP generation. The ATP is generated utilizing the electrochemical gradient generated due to the accumulation of protons in the thylakoid lumen of chloroplast or peri-mitochondrial space in mitochondria. The accumulation of protons gives rise to an electric gradient, due to the accumulation of positive charge and a chemical gradient due to the accumulation of hydrogen atom.
Related Theory
The chemiosmotic hypothesis stated that a proton-motive force was responsible for driving the synthesis of ATP. In this hypothesis, protons would be pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane as electrons went through the electron transfer chain. This would result in a proton gradient with a lower $\mathrm{pH}$ in the intermembrane space and an elevated $\mathrm{pH}$ in the matrix of the mitochondria. An intact inner mitochondrial membrane, impermeable to protons, is a requirement of such a model. The proton gradient and membrane potential are the proton-motive force that is used to drive ATP synthesis. In effect, the pH gradient acts as $a$ "battery" which stores energy to produce ATP.

Looking for more such questions to practice?

Download the MARKS App - The ultimate prep app for IIT JEE & NEET with chapter-wise PYQs, revision notes, formula sheets, custom tests & much more.