In the electron transport chain, hydrogen is oxidised to water and 34 ATP are produced. Where does this occur?

In the electron transport chain, hydrogen is oxidised to water and 34 ATP are produced. Where does this occur?

• A. In the cytoplasm
• B. In the mitochondrial matrix
• C. In the nucleus
• D. In the cristae of the mitochondria

Answer: (D)

The electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation happen on the inner membrane of the mitochondrion, which is folded into cristae to maximize surface area. Here, protein complexes pump protons into the intermembrane space and ATP synthase uses that proton gradient to convert ADP and Pi into ATP. Water forms when the electrons finally reduce oxygen. So, the location is the cristae of the mitochondria. The cytoplasm hosts glycolysis, the mitochondrial matrix mainly hosts the TCA cycle, and the nucleus isn’t involved in ATP production.

The electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation happen on the inner membrane of the mitochondrion, which is folded into cristae to maximize surface area. Here, protein complexes pump protons into the intermembrane space and ATP synthase uses that proton gradient to convert ADP and Pi into ATP. Water forms when the electrons finally reduce oxygen. So, the location is the cristae of the mitochondria. The cytoplasm hosts glycolysis, the mitochondrial matrix mainly hosts the TCA cycle, and the nucleus isn’t involved in ATP production.