PLEASE HELP! Predict one potential explanation for why the number of H+ passing through ATP synthase decreases in this scenario. In eukaryotes, aerobic respiration relies on a gradient where H+ are concentrated between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. This gradient is used as an energy source when H+ flow through the channel protein, ATP synthase. If the mitochondrial membrane is suddenly exposed to heat, the number of H+ flowing through ATP synthase decreases.