Teresa M.

asked • 10/23/19

What would happen to cellular respiration if H+ could freely move across the mitochondrial membranes?

Med J.

Chemiosmosis or movement of ions down their electrical and chemical gradients through a semi-permeable membrane would be disrupted. Furthermore, oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain would be affected. Some energy utilized in this process goes to pump H+ ions into the intermembrane space to establish the electrochemical gradient. Most importantly, the gradient is important in the function of ATP synthase. As H+ passes down this enzyme, it catalytically utilizes that energy to synthesize ATP from ADP and Pi. Without ATP to provide a source of energy, the cell would turn to anaerobic pathways such as glycolysis and fermentation in order to provide for the cell. In the long run, this would be detrimental for that cell if the gradient if the proton gradient is not restored.
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10/23/19

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Toni-Ann T. answered • 10/25/19

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If protons (H+) were able to freely move across the mitochondrial membrane, cellular respiration will not occur. The reason for this is because in order for cellular respiration to occur via oxidative phosphorylation,a proton gradient (or buildup of protons) is needed. The protons are then shuttled across from the intermembrane space to the mitochondrial matrix via the ATP synthase where oxygen is waiting as the final electron acceptor.

Without this gradient, ATP synthesis will not occur.

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