Upon activation, these proteins mimic a gateway, allowing passage of ions to create an electrochemical gradient between the interior and exterior of the cellular membrane. Ions diffusing outwards across the gradient through proton pumps are then bound to ATP synthase proteins on the cell’s surface.
When these proteins are triggered, they act as a passage point, allowing ions to create a chemical gradient between the inside and outside of the cell membrane. As a result, ions moving outwards across this gradient through proton pumps become linked to ATP synthase proteins on the cell's exterior.