Outline the process of ATP generation by chemiosmosis.

This is a process that occurs on the membrane of the mitochondria. Here the electrons are passed from one electron carrier to the next in a chain know as the electron transport chain. With each carrier being a lower energy state than the next, the excess energy is used to pump protons from the matrix across the membrane to create a concentration gradient. For the protons to move down their membrane gradient they have to pass through a hydrophillic transmembrane protein known as ATP synthase as the rest of the membrane is impermeable. The protein then makes use of the energy released to phosphorylate an ADP molecule to form ATP.

AJ
Answered by Anushri J. Biology tutor

4073 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How would cells produced by meiosis differ from those produced by mitosis?


What are the key structural differences between a eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell?


Explain these 3 terms in relation to cells and osmosis: isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic?


What is the difference between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning