How are hydrogen ions (H+) essential for the production of ATP?

Hydrogen ions (H+) are essential for the production of ATP because it provides energy in order for ADP to be converted to ATP.

Explanation:

Ion - In Science, "ion" is defined as an atom or a molecule that has a net electric charge. A net electric charge means that the total number of protons (subatomic particles with positive electric charge) is equal to the total number of electrons (subatomic particles with negative electric charge).

Hydrogen ion - This is an atom of a Hydrogen element.

ATP - This is also known as adenosine triphosphate. This is a molecule with high energy or a molecule that carries energy within the cells.

ADP - This is also known as adenosine diphosphate. This is an organic compound that consists of adenosine (a common medication used to treat tachycardia or a fast heartbeat) and two phosphate groups.

ATP is importantly converted to ADP in order to release a free energy that can make a cell condition favorable. In order to do so, the process of oxidative phosphorylation happens. Here, the hydrogen ions pass through the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) through ATP Synthase (an enzyme or a membrane protein). The protons then follows through. As it happens, the ADP is converted into ATP.