Question

question 10 of 25
which statement best describes the events that take place within the mitochondrial membrane?
a. molecules move along the pathway of the krebs cycle.
b. electrons flow along a protein pathway to produce atp.
c. atp synthase moves through ions to produce kinetic energy.
d. electrons gain energy as they move through the membrane.

Explanation:

The electron - transport chain (ETC) occurs within the mitochondrial membrane. In the ETC, electrons are passed along a series of protein complexes (a protein pathway). As electrons move through these proteins, protons (\(H^+\)) are pumped across the membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is used by ATP synthase (which is also in the mitochondrial membrane) to produce ATP. The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix (not the membrane), so option A is incorrect. ATP synthase uses the proton gradient (not moves through ions in the way described in option C). Electrons lose energy as they move through the ETC (to pump protons), so option D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Electrons flow along a protein pathway to produce ATP.