Oxidative Phosphorylation
| Formula / Notation | ADP + Pᵢ → ATP |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cellular respiration (ATP synthesis part), electron transport-linked phosphorylation, respiratory chain phosphorylation |
What is Oxidative Phosphorylation?
Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic process by which cells use enzymes in the mitochondrial inner membrane to oxidize nutrients (via the electron transport chain) to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. It couples the exergonic transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen with the endergonic synthesis of ATP via ATP synthase. It produces the majority of cellular ATP (~34 of 38 ATP from glucose oxidation).
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Cellular respiration (ATP synthesis part), electron transport-linked phosphorylation, respiratory chain phosphorylation
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic process by which cells use enzymes in the mitochondrial inner membrane to oxidize nutrients (via the electron transport chain) to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. It couples the exergonic transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen with the endergonic synthesis of ATP via ATP synthase. It produces the majority of cellular ATP (~34 of 38 ATP from glucose oxidation).
Biological energy production (primary ATP source in aerobic organisms). Drug target for antibiotics (inhibit bacterial oxidative phosphorylation). Mitochondrial disease research. Understanding toxicity of electron transport chain inhibitors. Metabolic research.
Inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation are highly toxic: cyanide (blocks Complex IV), carbon monoxide (blocks Complex IV), rotenone (blocks Complex I), oligomycin (blocks ATP synthase), dinitrophenol (uncoupler — fatal in overdose). These work precisely because they disrupt this essential process.
The formula or notation for Oxidative Phosphorylation is: ADP + Pᵢ → ATP