Describe5 marksChallenge
Mitochondria isolated from rat liver cells are incubated in a buffer solution containing pyruvate, ADP, and inorganic phosphate. Oxygen is supplied, and the mitochondria are actively respiring.
Describe the process by which the energy released from the oxidation of pyruvate is used to synthesise ATP. In your answer, you should name the stages and their locations, and explain the role of the inner mitochondrial membrane, including the movement of protons and the action of ATP synthase.