Chemiosmosis

Definition

Chemiosmosis is the movement of ions across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient. In cellular respiration, it is crucial for ATP synthesis in the mitochondria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemiosmosis occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
2. It involves the establishment of a proton gradient by the electron transport chain (ETC).
3. ATP synthase utilizes the energy from this proton gradient to produce ATP.
4. The process is essential for oxidative phosphorylation during aerobic respiration.
5. Peter Mitchell proposed the chemiosmotic theory, which earned him a Nobel Prize.

Review Questions

• Where does chemiosmosis occur in eukaryotic cells?
• What role does ATP synthase play in chemiosmosis?
• Who proposed the chemiosmotic theory and what impact did it have?

Related terms

Electron Transport Chain:

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons via redox reactions to create a proton gradient.

Proton Gradient:

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

ATP Synthase:

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP using energy from the proton gradient generated by the ETC.