Question

g The pH of the space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membrane is ______________ the pH of the mitochondrial matrix.

Answer 1

Answer:

lower than

Explanation:

The protons obtained from the spit of  hydrogen atoms, to protons and electrons, (which was transported to the Matrix of the mitochondria by NADH and FADH2 ) are pumped by PMF into the intramembrane space.

The constant pumps by the PMF,due to the electron transport chains set up high concentration of Hydrogen ions in the intramembrane space.If pH is -log[H+] then the high the number of H+/protons,the stronger  the acidity,and lower the pH  of the medium.

This set up higher electrochemical gradient compare to the matrix.Thus H+ diffuses down the gradients into the matrix.

This generate energy needed for the synthesis of ATPs by ATPase synthase in the matrix