Intermembrane space of mitochondria

  Because of channels in the outer membrane of the mitochondria, the content of the intermembrane space is similar to that of the content of the cytoplasm.

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As electrons move down the proteins in the electron transport chain, the electrons lose energy to bring H+ ions from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space. As a concentration gradient of hydrogen ions forms, a protein called ATP synthase harnesses the potential energy of these ions and starts chemiosmosis, where the H+ ions reenter the matrix via this enzyme bound to the cristae (folds of the inner membrane). ADP and a phosphate group are combined to form ATP.