Q. 18.90 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is the effect of $H^{+}$ accumulation in the intermembrane space? $(18.6)$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The effect of $H^{+}$ is when more $H^{+}ions$ accumulate in the intermembrane space, the $pH$ lowers and $a H^{+}$ the gradient is formed.

Step 1: Given Information

We need to find the effect of $H^{+}$.

Step 2: Explanation

Here,

Determine the effect of $H^{+}$ accumulation in the intermembrane space.

The chemiosmotic model links the energy from electron transport to a $a H^{+}$gradient that leads to ATP synthesis. In this model, each complex $\left(l,lll, and lV\right)$ functions as a proton pump by pushing $H^{+}ions$, which is formed from the oxidation of $NADH and FAD{H}_2$, from the matrix to the intermembrane space. As more $H^{+}ions$ accumulate in the intermembrane space, the $pH$ lowers and $a H^{+}$ the gradient is formed. They $H^{+}ions$ are positively charged, Therefore a lower $pH$ and electrical charge of the $H^{+}$gradient makes it an electrochemical gradient.

The $H^{+}ions$ need to return to the matrix to equalize  $pH$ and the electrical charge. They can return to the matrix by passing through the ATP synthase.