bio question

[baedero1]

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in the presence of a matabolic poison that specifically and completely inbibits the function of mitochondrial ATP synthase, which of the following would you expect?

the answer is an increase in the pH difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
I do not understand the answer. 😱

 

[osimsDDS]

Yea thats correct, Since in the ETC the protons are being pumped into the inner mitochondrial space (between the outer membrane and the inner membrane) therefore when you have Protons H+ in an area with probably other liquids such as the cytoplasm the pH would increase because the ATPase would not work to bring those protons back down their chemical gradient (high to low)...

Hope this helps, anyone back me up on this please

 

[bergoshe]

Yea thats correct, Since in the ETC the protons are being pumped into the inner mitochondrial space (between the outer membrane and the inner membrane) therefore when you have Protons H+ in an area with probably other liquids such as the cytoplasm the pH would increase because the ATPase would not work to bring those protons back down their chemical gradient (high to low)...

Hope this helps, anyone back me up on this please

Your explanation is solid. I'll back it!

 

[Artful Dodger]

yup, higher pH when H+ is pumped out...

 

[DRHOYA]

Think of it this way. The space between the two mito. membranes where protons end up is like a pipeline (ETC). There is an opening (ATPase) that uses these protons to produce ATP. When the ATPase stops functioning, the "pipe" backs up. Now you have protons clogged in the inter-membrance space, and the more protons you have the lower the pH.

 

[DentalP87]

Yea thats correct, Since in the ETC the protons are being pumped into the inner mitochondrial space (between the outer membrane and the inner membrane) therefore when you have Protons H+ in an area with probably other liquids such as the cytoplasm the pH would increase because the ATPase would not work to bring those protons back down their chemical gradient (high to low)...

Hope this helps, anyone back me up on this please

pH woud decrease in the inner mitochondrial membrane, not increase ;P

however, the answer to the question is "increase in pH DIFFERENCE", so you would have gotten the right answer anyways..