Question

Why are 4 H+ needed for every ATP synthesized and exported by mitochondria, even though only 3 H+ need to be translocated by the ATP Synthase Complex to synthesize one ATP?

Answer 1

Answer: One H⁺ ion ie required in converting ATP and inorganic phosphate to ATP

Explanation:During oxidative phosphorylation, high energy electrons released by hydrogen carriers are shuttled through the electron transport chain. The released energy is used to translocate 3 H+ ions from the matrix, creating an proton motive force, which will cause 1 H+ ion to move down the electrochemical gradient and diffuse back into the matrix (chemiosmosis) which is facilitated by ATP synthase. As the H+ moves through the ATP synthase this triggers the molecular rotation of the enzyme, synthesizing ATP