Answer to Question #250279 in Organic Chemistry for Mohamed

Question

**What is difference of pH (ï  „Ñ €Ã ) between matrix and periplasmic space of
mitochondria: a) 5-6; b) 1-2; c) 0? . Explain

Answer 1

The ATP formation is driven by H+ flowing down its concentration gradient, which means that the outside concentration of H+ has to be higher than the matrix in order for that to occur. Thus, higher H+ outside constitutes lower (acidic) pH in comparison to the more basic matrix because of ETC activities.