Consider the following experiment. Carefully isolated liver mitochondria are placed in a weakly buffered solution. Malate is added as an energy source, and an increase in oxygen consumption confirms that the ETC is functioning properly within these organelles. Valinomycin and potassium are then added to the mitochondrial suspension. Valinomycin is a drug that allows potassium ions to freely cross the inner mitochondrial membrane. What is the effect of valinomycin on the proton motive force that had been generated by the oxidation of malate?
A.
The proton motive force will be reduced to a value of zero.
B.
There will be no change in the proton motive force.
C.
The proton motive force will be increased.
D.
The proton motive force will be decreased but to a value greater than zero.
E.
The proton motive force will be decreased to a value less than zero.