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Anonymous
06-05-2004, 06:37 PM
Problem 10: Acidity During Electron Transport
What cellular compartment becomes acidic (high concentration of hydrogen ions) during mitochondrial electron transport?

A. Mitochondrial stroma
B. Cytoplasm

C. Endoplasmic reticulum

D. Space between inner and outer mitochondrial membranes

E. Thylakoid membranes



Intermembrane space of mitochondria
Electron transport results when NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The electrons flow thorugh the complexes and are eventually donated to oxygen forming water.

http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/metabolism/graphics/electron_T2.gif

This process pumps protons (H+) into the intermembrane space. The gradient created (high concentration of protons in the intermembrane space and low concentration in the matrix) causes protons to flow through ATP synthetase in the inner membrane resulting in production of ATP.

http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/metabolism/graphics/electron_T3.gif


ans:
D. space between inner and outer mitochondrial membranes


Electron transport produces a high concentration of H+ (protons) in the inner membrane space of the mitochondria