What is oxidative phosphorylation
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.