Oxidative phosphorylation

Definition

Oxidative phosphorylation is the process in cellular respiration where ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced by transferring electrons from electron carriers to oxygen. This process occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Related terms

Electron transport chain: A series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons during oxidative phosphorylation.

Chemiosmosis:

The movement of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane through ATP synthase, which harnesses their energy to produce ATP.

Proton motive force: The electrochemical gradient created by the movement of protons during chemiosmosis that drives ATP synthesis.