Which location best describes where protons are able to build up at high concentration, as shown in the animation?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach this question, consider where the proton gradient is established in the mitochondrial membrane system.
Option 1: the cytoplasm. While the cytoplasm is the fluid inside the cell outside mitochondria, protons are actively pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the intermembrane space, not into the cytoplasm. Therefore, the cytoplasm is not the site of high proton concentration created by the respiratory chain.
Option 2: the mitochondrial matrix. The matrix is the space enclosed by the inner membrane, inside the mitochondrion. Protons are not accumulated here to build the gradient; instead, protons are pumped across into the intermembrane space, and the matrix has relatively lower proton concentration compared to the intermembrane space.
Option 3: the intermembrane space. This is the compartment between the inner mitochondrial membrane and the outer membrane, where protons are actively transported to create a high proton concentration. The proton motive force that drives ATP synthesis is established across this membrane by the gradient between the intermembrane space (high H+) and the matrix (lower H+).
In summary, the animation depicts protons accumulating in the intermembrane space, establishing the electrochemical gradient used by ATP synthase to generate ATP.

Which location best describes where protons are able to build up at high concentration, as shown in the animation?

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