The figure below is a diagram of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
How did the protons (H⁺)in this diagram become concentrated on one side of the membrane?
A)The H⁺ were pumped across the membrane by the electron transport chain.
B)The H⁺ were released when ATP phosphorylated a membrane protein.
C)ATP was used to pump the H⁺ across the membrane.
D)Oxygen must release two H⁺ in the intermembrane space before it can move into the matrix.

Question

The figure below is a diagram of the inner mitochondrial membrane. 
How did the protons (H⁺)in this diagram become concentrated on one side of the membrane?
A)The H⁺ were pumped across the membrane by the electron transport chain. 
B)The H⁺ were released when ATP phosphorylated a membrane protein. 
C)ATP was used to pump the H⁺ across the membrane. 
D)Oxygen must release two H⁺ in the intermembrane space before it can move into the matrix.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The protons (H⁺) in this diagram became concentrated on one side of the membrane due to the action of the electron transport chain, which pumps H⁺ ions across the inner mitochondrial membrane from the matrix into the intermembrane space. This creates an electrochemical gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP.

The Figure Below Is a Diagram of the Inner Mitochondrial