Chemiosmosis

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Chemiosmosis (pronunciation: /ˌkɛmioʊˈsmoʊsɪs/) is a process by which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced in the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. The term was first coined by Peter Mitchell who was awarded the 1978 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on chemiosmosis. He also introduced the concept of proton motive force (PMF).

Etymology

The term "chemiosmosis" is derived from the Greek words "chemi" meaning "chemical" and "osmosis" referring to the movement of water or other molecules across a membrane.

Process

Chemiosmosis involves the movement of protons (H+ ions) across a membrane, from an area of high proton concentration to an area of lower concentration. The energy for this process comes from the electron transport chain, a series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As electrons pass through the chain, protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. The protons then flow back into the matrix through an enzyme called ATP synthase, driving the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Related Terms

  • Oxidative phosphorylation: The process in which ATP is formed as a result of the transfer of electrons from NADH or FADH2 to O2 by a series of electron carriers. This process, which takes place in mitochondria, is the major source of ATP in aerobic organisms.
  • Photophosphorylation: The production of ATP using the energy of sunlight. Photophosphorylation is the process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to harness sunlight for the synthesis of ATP.
  • Proton gradient: A gradient of proton concentration and electrical potential across a membrane, used for the production of ATP in chemiosmosis.

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