Question

What phase of cellular respiration uses oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer 1

Oxidative phosphorylation:

1. It is the synthesis of ATP molecules with the help of energy liberated during oxidation of reduced co-enzymes NADH₂ and FADH2 produced in respiration the enzyme required is called ATP synthetase.
2. Oxidative phosphorylation is the step where most of the ATP is produced.
3. ATP synthesis is coupled with oxidation-reduction reactions occurring in the electron transport chain, which results in the formation of proton gradients across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
4. ATP synthase utilizes the energy released in the process to synthesize ATP.
5. NADH and FADH2 produced in the earlier steps are oxidized and molecular oxygen acts as a terminal electron acceptor as electrons pass from one carrier to another via complex I to IV in the electron transport chain along with the downward redox potential.
6. Thus, oxidative phosphorylation is carried out in the fourth phase of cellular respiration.