Question

When the protein gramicidin is integrated into a membrane, an H+ channel forms and the membrane becomes very permeable to protons (H+ ions). If gramicidin is added to an actively respiring muscle cell, how would it affect the rates of electron transport, proton pumping, and ATP synthesis in oxidative phosphorylation? (Assume that gramicidin does not affect the production of NADH and FADH2 during the early stages of cellular respiration.)
Sort the labels into the correct bin according to the effect that gramicidin would have on each process.

Answer 1

Answer:

The electron transport chain may be defined as the sequential steps of the oxidation and reduction of the cytochromes. The electron transport chain is important for the production of ATP.

The gramicidn protein is an ionophoric antibiotic that can affect the electron transport system. The electron transport rate, oxygen uptake and proton pumping remains the same as more hydrogen ions will enter in the cell.  But the ATP synthesis rate might decrease and completely stop by using gramicidin.