Oxidative phosphorylation

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Oxidative Phosphorylation

Oxidative phosphorylation (pronounced: ox·i·da·tive phos·phor·y·la·tion) is a metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the oxidation of nutrients to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The process is central to cellular respiration, the way cells obtain the energy necessary to carry out their functions.

Etymology

The term "oxidative phosphorylation" is derived from the two key parts of the process: "oxidative," which refers to the oxidation reactions that release energy, and "phosphorylation," which refers to the addition of a phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to form ATP.

Process

Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. It involves two main components: the electron transport chain and ATP synthase. The electron transport chain uses the energy from electrons to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. ATP synthase uses this gradient to power the phosphorylation of ADP, creating ATP.

Related Terms

  • Cellular respiration: The process by which cells obtain energy from glucose. Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration.
  • Electron transport chain: A series of protein complexes in the mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a proton gradient.
  • ATP synthase: An enzyme that uses the energy from a proton gradient to phosphorylate ADP, creating ATP.
  • Mitochondria: The organelles in eukaryotic cells where oxidative phosphorylation takes place.
  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): The main energy currency of the cell. ATP is produced by oxidative phosphorylation.
  • Adenosine diphosphate (ADP): The molecule that is phosphorylated to create ATP.

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