Why is the impermeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to ions and small molecules crucial for oxidative phosphorylation?

• A. It maintains the proton gradient necessary for ATP synthesis by ATP synthase.
• B. It allows the free diffusion of glucose into the mitochondrial matrix.
• C. It prevents the loss of ATP from the mitochondria.
• D. It enables the direct synthesis of proteins within the intermembrane space.

Answer: (A)