You have just discovered a new antibiotic. This antibiotic is a small organic mo

Question

You have just discovered a new antibiotic. This antibiotic is a small organic molecule that dissolves in a cytoplasmic membrane then "ferries" proteins (H+) back and forth across the membrane. The antibiotic releases the H+s on whichever side of the membrane the concentration is lower, until ultimately the proton concentration across the membrane reaches equilibrium.

What process will be immediately affected in organisms grown in the presence of this antibiotic? What processes would be affected eventually (before the cell dies)?

Thanks!

Explanation / Answer

ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation is the process that will be immediately affected in organisms grown in the presence of this antibiotic Because the cell unable to generate a proton motive force; as a result, the processes requiring PMP will stop immediately. All the others would continue for a while, but they wont last for long without ATP synthesis.

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