In chemiosmosis, what is the most direct source of energy that is used to convert ADP + ℗i to ATP?
A) energy released as electrons flow through the electron transport system
B) energy released from substrate-level phosphorylation
C) energy released from dehydration synthesis reactions
D) energy released from movement of protons through ATP synthase, down their electrochemical gradient
E) No external source of energy is required because the reaction is exergonic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The movement of protons through ATP synthase, down their electrochemical gradient, is the most direct source of energy used to convert ADP + ℗i to ATP. This process is known as chemiosmosis and is a key step in oxidative phosphorylation, where energy released from electron transport is used to transport protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient is then used to drive the production of ATP as protons flow back through ATP synthase channels.

In Chemiosmosis, What Is the Most Direct Source of Energy