Answer to Question #60636 in Biochemistry for Sanjukta Ghosh

Question

Write a short note on chemiosmotic theory.

(I have searched the net but couldn't find any website or book stating and explaining the theory. It would be of great help if you could write the answer for me.)

Answer 1

Chemiosmotic theory was proposed by Peter Mitchell.
It says that the transport of protons from matrix to intermembrane space is accompanied by the generation of a proton gradient across the membrane.
Protons (H+) accumulate intermembrane space creating an electrochemical potential difference, proton gradient or electrochemical gradient.
This proton motive force (PMF) drives the synthesis of ATP by ATP synthase complex.