Question

Very low concentrations of detergent make membranes leaky to small molecules and ions without damaging proteins. In isolated mitochondria exposed to detergent, the molecules of the electron transport chain and of ATP synthase remain intact. Do you expect ATP synthesis to continue in the presence of low concentrations of detergent?A. Yes, because all enzymes and electron carriers are functionalB. No, because with a leaky membrane, the proton gradient cannot be maintainedC. No, because leaky membranes inhibit glycolysisD. No, because leaky membranes do not allow NADH and FADH2 to donate their electrons to the electron transport chain

Answer 1

No, because with a leaky membrane, the proton gradient cannot be maintained

Explanation:

The cell membrane is composed of a protein lipid bilayer. The detergent is very efficient to clean out portions of lipid from the protein part, thus disrupting the cell membrane. In presence of low concentration of detergent, the small portions of lipid are taken out, leaving the cell membrane structure intact, but with smaller pores which can lead to leakage of several smaller substances from inside.

So these leaky membranes don't allow the gradient of proton to build up. Thus ATP cannot be produced. So the cell cannot respire with detergent present.