CHEMIOSMOTIC THEORY Meaning and
Definition
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The chemiosmotic theory is a scientific explanation that describes the process of energy conversion in living organisms, specifically regarding the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It was proposed by the British biochemist Peter Mitchell in 1961 and has since become a fundamental concept in the field of bioenergetics.
According to the chemiosmotic theory, the synthesis of ATP occurs through a series of oxidation-reduction reactions that create a proton (H+) gradient across a membrane. This membrane can be found in various cellular structures such as the inner mitochondrial membrane or the thylakoid membrane in chloroplasts. The proton gradient is established by the active transport of protons across the membrane, which generates a difference in concentration and electrical potential between the two sides.
The energy stored in this proton gradient is then harnessed by ATP synthase, a membrane-bound enzyme. ATP synthase uses the flow of protons back across the membrane to drive the synthesis of ATP from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria or photophosphorylation in chloroplasts during photosynthesis.
Overall, the chemiosmotic theory stresses the importance of the proton gradient across membranes as the driving force for ATP synthesis. It revolutionized the understanding of how energy is stored and utilized in living systems, providing a foundation for further advancements in cellular bioenergetics research.
Common Misspellings for CHEMIOSMOTIC THEORY
- xhemiosmotic theory
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- fhemiosmotic theory
- dhemiosmotic theory
- cgemiosmotic theory
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- cheniosmotic theory
- chekiosmotic theory
- chejiosmotic theory
- chemuosmotic theory
Etymology of CHEMIOSMOTIC THEORY
The word "chemiosmotic theory" is composed of two main parts: "chemio" and "osmotic".
1. "Chemio": The term "chemio" is derived from the word "chemistry". It indicates a relationship with chemical reactions or the field of chemistry. In the context of the "chemiosmotic theory", it refers to the chemical reactions occurring during the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cellular respiration.
2. "Osmotic": The term "osmotic" pertains to osmosis, which is the movement of solvent molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. In the context of the "chemiosmotic theory", it refers to the movement of protons (or hydrogen ions, H+) across a membrane.
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