Thermodynamics in Electron Transport and ATP Synthesis

Very Hard Biochemistry Bioenergetics

In cellular respiration, the conversion of glucose to energy involves a series of biochemical pathways, with one of the key components being the electron transport chain (ETC). During oxidative phosphorylation, the generation of ATP occurs as a result of a proton gradient created across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process is influenced by the availability of certain substrates and the redox potentials of the participating molecules. Which of the following statements accurately describes the thermodynamic relationship between electron transfer in the ETC and ATP synthesis?

The reduction potential of the electron donors in the ETC must always be higher than that of the electron acceptors for ATP synthesis to occur.

The free energy change of electron transfer in the ETC is coupled to the phosphorylation of ADP, enabling ATP synthesis through a process called substrate-level phosphorylation.

Electrons transferred through the ETC are utilized to pump protons against their concentration gradient, creating a proton motive force directly linked to ATP synthesis.

Proton translocation across the mitochondrial membrane during electron transfer is reversed when ATP is hydrolyzed, which is essential for maintaining ATP production.

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