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AAT Bioquest

What is a proton gradient?

Posted February 8, 2024


Answer

A proton gradient refers to a difference in proton concentration across a membrane. It is typically created during the electron transport chain in cellular respiration.  The proton gradient plays a key role in the formation of ATP through a process known as chemiosmosis.

Additional resources

Protein Motifs for Proton Transfers That Build the Transmembrane Proton Gradient

Cellular Processes

PhosphoWorks™ Fluorimetric ATP Assay Kit