What is oxidative photophosphorylation?

1 Answer
Nov 7, 2016

Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic pathway in which cells use enzymes to oxidise nutrients , therby releasing energy.

Explanation:

Almost all aerobic organisms carry out oxidative phosphorylation.

During oxidative phosphorylation , electrons are transferred from electron donors to electron acceptors in redox reactions. These redox reactions release energy which is used to form ATP.

These reactions are carried out by a series of protein complexes called electron transport chains. In prokaryotes these proteins are located in the intermembrane space. In eukaryotes these protein complexes are present in the inner membrane of the cells mitochondria.

Although oxidative phosphorylation is a vital part of metabolism , it produces reactive oxygen species such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide . This leads to damage of cells , cause of disease and possible damage.