What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Explanation

Oxidative phosphorylation is a process in which electrons are transferred from electron donors to oxygen, which acts as electron acceptor. The oxidation-reduction reactions are involved in the formation of proton gradient. The main role in oxidative phosphorylation is played by the enzyme ATP synthase (complex V). This enzyme complex consists of `F_(0)` and `F_(1)` components. The `F_(1)` headpiece is a peripheral membrane protein complex and contains the site for ATP synthesis from ADP and inorganic phosphate. `F_(0)` component is a part of membrane protein complex, which acts as a channel for crossing of the protons from inner mitochondrial membrane to the mitochondrial matrix. For every two protons passing through `F_(0)–F_(1)` complex, synthesis of one ATP molecule takes place.