Question

A) explain what would happen to atp production in a mitochondrion that has "leaky membranes", which would allow protons to diffuse through.
b.explain how the proton gradient contributes to atp production.

Answer 1

B) In the process of the citric cycle that occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, electrons from this chemical pathways move from one protein complex to another and are ultimately accepted by oxygen molecule in the formation a water molecule. Concomitantly, protons are transported to the intermembrane space. Accumulation of H+ ions in the mitochondrial membrane creates an electromotive force that is harnessed by ATP synthase to enable the phosphorylation of an ADP to ATP.

A)     A leaky membrane, therefore, would interfere with the accumulation of protons in the intermembrane space. This will reduce the electromotive force that is harness by the ATP synthase to produce ATP by phosphorylation of ADP. Consequently, this defective mitochondria will produce less ATPs than a healthy mitochondria.