Oxidative Phosphorylation

Definition

Oxidative phosphorylation is a process in the body's cells that produces energy by using oxygen to combine with certain molecules and create ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic pathway by which energy produced from the oxidation of nutrients is used to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. This process takes place in the mitochondria, where electrons are transferred from electron donors to electron acceptors such as oxygen, across a series of protein complexes.

Benefits

• Provides the majority of the body's ATP, essential for numerous cellular functions.
• Facilitates efficient energy production necessary for muscle contraction and nerve function.
• Supports the detoxification processes in the liver.

Examples

• Mitochondrial energy production during intense exercise.
• Cellular respiration processes in body tissues.

Additional Information

• Importance: This process is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis in the body and is vital for the function of organs with high energy demand, such as the heart and brain.

Related Terms

• ATP
• Electron Transport Chain
• Mitochondria
• Cellular Respiration
• Metabolism

References

• Mitochondria and oxidative phosphorylation: A brief overview
• The importance of oxidative phosphorylation in cellular energy production