Chemiosmosis

Definition

Chemiosmosis is the process by which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced in the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. It involves the movement of ions across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient.

Related terms

Proton Gradient: This refers to the difference in proton concentration across a membrane. In chemiosmosis, it's this gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

ATP Synthase: This is an enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. It's like the turbine in our dam analogy.

Oxidative Phosphorylation: This is the metabolic pathway where cells use enzymes to oxidize nutrients and release energy which will be used to produce ATP.