What is synthesized as protons pass through ATP synthase during chemiosmosis?

• A. Glucose
• B. ATP
• C. NADH
• D. FADH2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of chemiosmosis: Chemiosmosis is a mechanism that uses the energy stored in a proton gradient across a membrane to drive cellular work, such as ATP synthesis.
2. Identify the role of ATP synthase: ATP synthase is an enzyme located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitates the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate as protons pass through it.
3. Recognize the movement of protons: During chemiosmosis, protons move down their concentration gradient from the intermembrane space into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase.
4. Connect the movement to ATP synthesis: As protons pass through ATP synthase, the energy released is used to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.
5. Clarify the options: Among the given options, ATP is the molecule synthesized during chemiosmosis as protons pass through ATP synthase.