Answer:
Explanation:
Step 1: Generating a Proton Motive Force
The hydrogen carriers (NADH and FADH2) are oxidised and release high energy electrons and protons
The electrons are transferred to the electron transport chain, which consists of several transmembrane carrier proteins
As electrons pass through the chain, they lose energy – which is used by the chain to pump protons (H+ ions) from the matrix
The accumulation of H+ ions within the intermembrane space creates an electrochemical gradient (or a proton motive force)
Step Two: ATP Synthesis via Chemiosmosis
The proton motive force will cause H+ ions to move down their electrochemical gradient and diffuse back into matrix
This diffusion of protons is called chemiosmosis and is facilitated by the transmembrane enzyme ATP synthase
As the H+ ions move through ATP synthase they trigger the molecular rotation of the enzyme, synthesising ATP
Step Three: Reduction of Oxygen
In order for the electron transport chain to continue functioning, the de-energised electrons must be removed
Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, removing the de-energised electrons to prevent the chain from becoming blocked
Oxygen also binds with free protons in the matrix to form water – removing matrix protons maintains the hydrogen gradient
In the absence of oxygen, hydrogen carriers cannot transfer energised electrons to the chain and ATP production is halted
