Question

A mutant protist is found in which some mitochondria lack an inner mitochondrial membrane. Which of the following pathways would be completely disrupted in these mitochondria?

A) oxidative phosphorylation
B) alcoholic fermentation
C) the citric acid cycle
D) glycolysis
E) biosynthesis

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is A) oxidative phosphorylation

Explanation:

The membrane which separates matrix of mitochondria from the intermembrane space is celled inner mitochondrial membrane. The inner mitochondria membrane has an electron transport chain(ETC) which helps in the process of oxidative phosphorylation.

In oxidative phosphorylation, the electrons donated by an electron donor pass through ETC which allow the transport of H+ ions into the intermembrane space from the matrix. Then when these H+ goes back to matrix through ATPase then it generates ATP.  

So oxidative phosphorylation would be completely disrupted in these mitochondria.