Consider a mitochondrion in which the F₀ subunit of ATP synthase is mutated, such that it can still passively conduct protons but is mechanically uncoupled from the F₁ subunit. If such a mitochondrion is provided with succinate, ADP, and P_i in aerobic conditions, the correct outcome based on chemiosmotic theory is:

Step-by-step solution

Succinate acts as an electron donor to the electron transport chain (ETC) via Complex II. In aerobic conditions, electrons flow through the ETC to oxygen, which acts as the terminal electron acceptor, leading to continuous oxygen consumption. As electrons move through the ETC, protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. Since the mutated F₀ subunit can still passively conduct protons, the protons will flow back into the matrix, dissipating the proton gr