Question

Why is oxygen needed for the production of ATP on the cristae of the mitochondria?

Answer 1

ATP

1. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is a chemical that transports energy within cells.
2. It is produced via photophosphorylation (adding a phosphate group to a molecule using light energy), cellular respiration, and fermentation, and is the cell's principal source of energy.
3. Oxygen is required so that the cells can utilize it during oxidative phosphorylation, the last stage of cellular respiration.
4. In the inner mitochondrial membrane, oxygen serves as a terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.
5. The ATP production process uses the energy released in the electron transport chain.