The driving force of ATP synthesis at the location of the ATP synthesis complex is the _________________?
I believe it is the matrix but am not sure and it is just a guess.
please help.
You are right, but I think they want mitochondria for an answer. If I was the teacher, I'd give you credit because the matrix is within the mitochondrion (mitochondria plural).
Please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondria
You are correct that the driving force of ATP synthesis at the location of the ATP synthesis complex is the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
Within the mitochondria, the ATP synthesis complex is located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. This complex is also known as ATP synthase or Complex V. It consists of two main components: the F0 unit embedded in the membrane, and the F1 unit facing the mitochondrial matrix.
The driving force for ATP synthesis comes from the electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This gradient is created by the transport of protons (H+) across the membrane, which is coupled to the oxidation of fuels (such as glucose) in the electron transport chain.
As electrons are passed through the electron transport chain, protons are pumped from the matrix to the intermembrane space, resulting in a higher concentration of protons in the intermembrane space compared to the matrix. This creates an electrochemical gradient known as the proton motive force.
The F0 unit of the ATP synthase complex acts as a proton channel, allowing the protons to flow back into the matrix. As the protons flow through the F0 unit, the energy released is used to drive the catalytic activity of the F1 unit. The F1 unit is responsible for synthesizing ATP using ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
So, in summary, the driving force of ATP synthesis at the location of the ATP synthesis complex is the mitochondria, specifically the electrochemical gradient created by the transport of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane.