Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
During mitochondrial respiration, the electron transport chain (ETC) transfers electrons through a series of complexes.
This transfer is coupled with the pumping of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, generating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis (oxidative phosphorylation).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
There are three classical coupling sites in the mitochondrial electron transport chain where the free energy change of electron transfer is sufficient to drive ATP synthesis:
- Site I: Transfer of electrons from NADH to Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone, UQ).
- Site II: Transfer of electrons from Cytochrome b to Cytochrome c (via Complex III).
- Site III: Transfer of electrons from Cytochrome a to molecular oxygen (via Complex IV).
Among the given options, the step from Cytochrome b to Cytochrome c (Cyt_b-Cyt_c) corresponds to Site II of ATP synthesis.
Step 4: Final Answer:
ATP is produced during the Cyt_b-Cyt_c step, which corresponds to option (B).