A pH gradient exists between the internal and external surfaces of the inner mitochondrial membrane of...

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Biology

A pH gradient exists between the internal and external surfacesof the inner mitochondrial membrane of 1.4 pH units, where theexternal side is more acidic.
a. If the membrane potential is 0.6 V (where the internal sideis negative), what is the free energy change on transporting 1 molof protons across the membrane from outside to inside at 298 K?
b. Under standard state conditions, how many protons must betransported to provide enough free energy for the synthesis of 1mol of ATP?

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4.0 Ratings (419 Votes)

Gradient driven by pH difference and membrane potential difference

F = Faradayâ€™s constant =96485

Î” Ïˆ= membrane potential difference=-0.6 V

R=8.315 J / mol

T=298k

Î”pH=-1.4

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = (96485X-0.6) + (2.303X 8.315X 298X-1.4)

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = -65880 J/mol or -65.9 KJ/mol

b. For the synthesis of 1 ATPmolecule, 3 protons are required. Then for the synthesis of 1 mol of ATP, which contains 6.023X10²³ ATP moleucles, 3 X6.023X10²³ protons will be required= 1.8X10²⁴ protons.

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