Q20 / 180 · AIIMS 2016 · Botany

The chemiosmotic coupling hypothesis of oxidative phosphorylation proposes that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is formed because

  • Correct answer
    A
    a proton gradient forms across the inner mitochondrial membrane
  • B
    there is a change in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane towards adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
  • C
    high energy bonds are formed in mitochondrial proteins
  • D
    ADP is pumped out of the matrix into the intermembrane space.

Solution

The chemiosmotic coupling hypothesis of oxidative phosphorylation proposed by Mitchell, explains the process of ATP formation and states that it is linked to development of a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane. ATP synthase, required for ATP synthesis is located in $\mathrm{F}_1$ particles present in the inner mitochondrial membrane and becomes active only when there is high concentration of proton on $\mathrm{F}_0$ side as compared to $\mathrm{F}_1$ side. The flow of proton through $\mathrm{F}_0$ channel induces $\mathrm{F}_1$ particle to function as ATP synthase and the energy of proton gradient produces ATP by attaching a phosphate radical to ADP.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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