Question

explain the importance of protons to the production of ATP in animal cells. Refer to all relevant cellular structures and/or molecules in your explanation.

Answer 1

The Proton gradient which is produced by pumping of protons during the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) help to generation of ATP. ATP are produced by ATP synthase enzymes which is present on inner mitochondrial membrane. NADH+H⁺, FADH2 which are produced in TCA cycle and also NADH+H⁺ which are produced in glycolysis are oxidized by different complexes of ETC. There are 4 complexes which remain embedded in the mitochondrial membrane and two mobile electron carrier for the transport of electrons. When NADH+H⁺ ,FADH₂ are oxidized, protons are generated which move from mitochondrial matrix to inner membrane space, located between inner and outer mitochondrial membrane. These H+ ions moves back into mitochondrial matrix by the enzyme F₀F₁ATPase or ATP synthase enzyme. During this process protons move the ATP synthase enzyme and then ADP is converted to ATP. So, without proton movement ,ATP production is not possible in animal cells.