Oxidative Phosphorylation: The ATP Factory
Ever wondered how your body makes most of its energy? It happens through oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondrial matrix! This is the final and most productive stage of cellular respiration.
The process works like a biological battery. First, molecules called NADH and FADH₂ donate electrons to an electron transport chain. As these electrons move down the chain through redox reactions, they release energy that pumps hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the intermembrane space, creating a concentration gradient.
The hydrogen ions then flow back into the matrix through a protein called ATP synthase, similar to water flowing through a turbine in a dam. This flow powers the production of ATP from ADP and phosphate. Meanwhile, at the end of the chain, electrons combine with oxygen and hydrogen ions to form water.
Energy Fact: A single glucose molecule can produce up to 32 ATP molecules through aerobic respiration! This includes 2 ATP from glycolysis, 2 ATP from the Krebs cycle, and 28 ATP from oxidative phosphorylation.