Answer:
B. No, because with a leaky membrane, the proton gradient cannot be maintained
Explanation:
.
The electrochemical gradients between the intramembrane and matrix of the mitochondria is maintained by the Proton Motive Force, (PMF)which pumps protons across from the matrix into the intramembrane layer. The force makes protons concentration to continuously build up , and this set up an electrochemical /proton gradients between the intramembrane layer and the matrix.
It is the diffusion of protons down their concentration gradient from the intramembrane to the matrix that generates the needed energy for synthesis of ATPs by ATPase synthase in chemiosmosis.
Therefore, if detergents increases porosity of the membranes, hydrogen ions; protons will leak out, disrupting the Proton gradients because PMF which which set up proton gradient can not be maintained, and more importantly, needed energy for ATPase synthesis from influx of protons can not be generated. Thus B is the answer.