During the terminal stages of aerobic respiration, a proton gradient is established across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Which enzyme complex utilizes this gradient to catalyze the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate?

Step-by-step solution

During the terminal stages of aerobic respiration, the electron transport chain pumps protons from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. This proton gradient generates a proton motive force. The enzyme complex ATP synthase (Complex V) utilizes this proton gradient to catalyze the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate ( P_i ) as protons flow back into the matrix through its F₀ channel. Answer: ATP synthase