December 22, 2024, 02:02:47 AM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


Topic: Help - Protons translocation in mitochondria?  (Read 2885 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Iamyourfather

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 17
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-0
Help - Protons translocation in mitochondria?
« on: November 19, 2012, 09:02:36 PM »
I'm really confused with this and if anyone can help me I'll be very grateful :)

Electron transfer translocates protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the external
medium, establishing a pH gradient across the inner membrane (outside more acidic than
inside). The tendency of protons to diffuse back into the matrix is the driving force for ATP
synthesis by ATP synthase. During oxidative phosphorylation by a suspension of
mitochondria in a medium of pH 7.4, the pH of the matrix has been measured as 7.7.
a) Calculate [H+] in the external medium and in the matrix under these conditions
b) What is the outside-to-inside ratio of [H+]? Comment on the energy inherent in this concentration  difference. 
c) From these data, is the pH gradient alone sufficient to generate ATP? Explain
d) If not, suggest how the necessary energy for synthesis of ATP arises
e) Calculate the number of protons in a respiring liver mitochondrion, assuming its inner
matrix compartment is a sphere of diameter 1.6 µm. 

Offline Dan

  • Retired Staff
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4716
  • Mole Snacks: +469/-72
  • Gender: Male
  • Organic Chemist
    • My research
Re: Help - Protons translocation in mitochondria?
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2012, 03:15:01 AM »
To start, how is pH related to [H+]?
My research: Google Scholar and Researchgate

Offline Babcock_Hall

  • Chemist
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5716
  • Mole Snacks: +331/-24
Re: Help - Protons translocation in mitochondria?
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2012, 08:44:54 AM »
Do you know the equation that relates ΔG to a concentration difference across a membrane?

Sponsored Links