Oxidative phosphorylation

Front

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

A metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the electron transport chain to power ATP synthesis.

Front

What role do hydrogen ions (H+) play in oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

They create a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP production.

Front

What is the electron transport chain?

Back

A series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen.

Front

What is chemiosmosis?

Back

The movement of ions across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient, which is used to generate ATP.

Front

What is the function of ATP synthase?

Back

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, powered by the flow of H+ ions.

Front

What happens when cyanide is introduced to the electron transport chain?

Back

It inhibits cytochrome oxidase, preventing electron transfer and halting ATP production.

Front

How do H+ ions move back into the mitochondrial matrix?

Back

Through facilitated diffusion via ATP synthase.

Front

What is the significance of the proton gradient in oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

It stores potential energy that is converted into chemical energy during ATP synthesis.

Front

What are the main products of oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

ATP, water, and heat.

Front

What is the role of oxygen in oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.