Why are chemiosmosis and ATP synthase so important?
If it still hasn't hit home yet, allow me to reiterate the fact that chemiosmosis and ATP synthase are not only important but integral to the production of ATP, and by virtue of that fact, to the continuation of living things. Due to the fact that ATP synthase is the enzyme that is responsible for generating the vast majority of ATP in eukaryotic cells, it is essential to energy production and is one of the primary reasons why more biologically complicated organisms have evolved to use aerobic respiration rather than anaerobic respiration. It is also important to note that ATP production would not be possible without chemiosmosis. Due to the formation of the proton gradient along the membrane, ATP synthase is able to transport H+ ions into the intramembrane space and produce sufficient energy needed to drive ATP production. Without chemiosmosis and ATP synthase, it is very possible that eukaryotes- including humans!- would not exist today. So every morning, be sure to thank chemiosmosis, ATP synthase, and your mitochondria in general for keeping you alive and well!
Here's another Crash Course video on cellular respiration!
If you're still scrolling down, have another video! I highly recommend this one for a clear summary of the ETC, chemiosmosis, and ATP production!
You must be really interested in this if you've come this far, so here's a bonus song to help you remember the ETC and ATP production!