In order to create the energy required
to synthesize ATP, ATP synthase must pump hydrogen ions, or protons,
from the intermembrane space of the mitochondria into the matrix
space. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring
up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.
To
see the Flash movie for the following sequence of images,
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First, a proton from the intermembrane
space enters the ATP synthase complex.
Next, another proton leaves the ATP synthase
complex and exits into the matrix space.
Finally, the upper portion of the ATP
synthase complex rotates slightly to prepare for the next
set of protons to enter and exit the complex.