Answer to Question #187972 in General Chemistry for kyle

Question

Does the mitochondrial matrix ever run out of protons for pumping in oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer 1

The electron transport system charges the battery for oxidative phosphorylation by pumping protons out of the mitochondrion. The intact inner membrane of the mitochondrion keeps the protons out, except for those that re-enter through ATP Synthase.