In the electron transport system, the energy used to synthesize ATP comes from the diffusion of ________ from the outer compartment of the mitochondria to the inner compartment.
A) electrons
B) NADH
C) hydrogen ions
D) FADH₂
E) pyruvate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy used to synthesize ATP in the electron transport system comes from the diffusion of hydrogen ions from the outer compartment of the mitochondria to the inner compartment. As electrons are transported down the electron transport chain, protons are pumped out of the matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a concentration gradient. The protons then diffuse back into the matrix through the ATP synthase enzyme, which uses the energy from this diffusion to synthesize ATP. Therefore, the correct answer is hydrogen ions (choice C).

In the Electron Transport System, the Energy Used to Synthesize