In the conformational coupling mechanism for oxidative phosphorylation, the effect of the proton gradient is
A) to inhibit conformational changes in the ATP synthase
B) to create more sites for ATP synthesis
C) the release of tightly bound ATP from the synthase
D) all of these
E) none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane drives the conformational changes in ATP synthase that are necessary for the release of tightly bound ATP, a key step in the process of oxidative phosphorylation.

In the Conformational Coupling Mechanism for Oxidative Phosphorylation, the Effect