While conducting an investigation, you observe that exposing inner mitochondrial membranes to ultrasonic vibrations disrupts the
membranes. The membrane fragments reseal "inside out," forming small vesicles. These vesicles are still able to transfer electrons from NADH to oxygen and synthesize ATP. Based on these observations, what must be present in the membrane?
The four protein complexes of electron transport chain and ATP synthase
Explanation:
The electron transport chain present in the inner mitochondrial membrane has four protein complexes, known as complex I to complex IV, embedded in it.
Electrons from NADH are carried to the terminal electron acceptor, the molecular oxygen, via these protein complexes.
The electron transport through the protein complexes is coupled with the formation of proton motive force which in turn drives ATP synthesis with the help of ATP synthase enzyme.
