In: Biology
In class we discussed proton motive force, which is a concentration gradient of hydrogen ions across a cell membrane to create potential energy. Briefly diagram, or verbally discuss, how this proton motive force is established in eukaryotic cells. Your explanation should show the general path traveled by the electrons.
Transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain is accompanied by pumping of protons across inner mitochondrial membrane, from the mitochondrial matrix to inner mitochondrial space. This movement of proton generates:
The pH gradient and voltage gradient together constitute electrochemical proton gradient. This electrochemical proton gradient exerts the proton motive force (pmf).
So proton motive force is the electrochemical potential difference between protons in the aqueous phases on different sides of any membrane. The sum of the membrane potential and the pH gradient together constitute the pmf.
This indicates the total potential energy stored in the transmembrane gradients, which is available to drive protons back into the matrix space, and provide the power for biologically useful processes.
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