Question

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer 1

1. The process of oxidative phosphorylation uses energy released during the oxidation of reduced co-enzymes (NADH, FADH₂) created during respiration to synthesise energy-rich ATP molecules. ATP synthase is the name of the enzyme needed for this synthesis.
2. It is regarded as the electron transport chain's fifth complex. The F₁ or head component of the F₀-F₁ or elementary particles contains the enzyme ATP synthase.
3. The inside mitochondria of the cells contain the particles. Only in situations where there is a proton gradient with a greater concentration of H₊ or protons on the F₀ side relative to the F₁ side can ATP synthase become active in the production of ATP (the chemiosmotic theory of Peter Mitchell).
4. The concentration of protons increases in the outer chamber or outer surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane as a result of protons being pushed there by energy generated during the transport of electrons from one carrier to another.
5. While two pairs of protons are regularly pumped out during electron flow from FADH₂, three pairs of protons are pushed to the outer chamber by the transport of electrons from NADH over ETC. The F₀ channel's proton flow causes the F₁ particle to act as an ATP-synthase.
6. When connecting a phosphate, the energy of the proton gradient is utilised. adical via a high-energy link to ADP. ATP is created as a result. When one molecule of NADH₂ is oxidised, three ATP molecules are created, whereas when FADH₂ is oxidised similarly, two ATP molecules are formed.