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.