Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Oxidative phosphorylation is the last stage of aerobic respiration
- It takes place at the inner mitochondrial membrane
- It results in the production of many molecules of ATP and the production of water using oxygen
- The current model used to explain ATP synthesis in oxidative phosphorylation is the chemiosmotic theory
An Outline of Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Hydrogen atoms are donated by NADH and reduced FADH2 from the Krebs Cycle
- Hydrogen atoms split into protons (H+ ions) and electrons
- The high-energy electrons enter the electron transport chain and release energy as they move through the electron transport chain
- The released energy is used to transport protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane from the matrix into the intermembrane space
- A concentration gradient of protons is established between the intermembrane space and the matrix
- The protons return to the matrix via facilitated diffusion through the channel protein, ATP synthase
- The movement of protons down their concentration gradient provides energy for ATP synthesis, through chemiosmosis
- Oxygen acts as the 'final electron acceptor' and combines with protons and electrons at the end of the electron transport chain to form water
- A small amount of the proton gradient formed during oxidative phosphorylation does not go towards phosphorylation of ADP
- Instead, it is diverted (decoupled) from ATP synthesis and goes directly to generate heat
- Endotherms (endothermic organisms) can use this release of heat energy to regulate their body temperatures
The Electron Transport Chain
- The electron transport chain is made up of a series of membrane proteins / electron carriers
- They are positioned close together which allows the electrons to pass from carrier to carrier
- These electron carriers are required to pump the protons across the impermeable membrane to establish the concentration gradient
Contrasts to Related Electron Transport Chains
- Electron transport chains are found in chloroplasts, mitochondria and prokaryotic plasma membranes, however, there are some differences in the mechanisms:
- Whilst oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor in aerobic respiration in eukaryotes and aerobic prokaryotes, anaerobic prokaryotes, other molecules are used (eg. nitrate NO3-)
- In photosynthesis, NADP+ is the terminal electron acceptor
- In photosynthesis, the flow of protons back through membrane-bound ATP synthase is called photophosphorylation (compared to oxidative phosphorylation in respiration)
- Whilst oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor in aerobic respiration in eukaryotes and aerobic prokaryotes, anaerobic prokaryotes, other molecules are used (eg. nitrate NO3-)
Oxidative Phosphorylation via the Chemiosmotic Theory Diagram
Oxidative phosphorylation via the chemiosmotic theory occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane and requires NADH and FADH2 from the Krebs Cycle. It produces water and many molecules of ATP.
Exam Tip
The AP Exam may ask why oxygen is so important for aerobic respiration. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor. Without oxygen the electron transport chain cannot continue as the electrons have nowhere to go. Without oxygen accepting the electrons (and hydrogens) the reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2 cannot be oxidized to regenerate NAD and FAD, so they can’t be used in further hydrogen transport.
You will not be asked to recall the names of any specific electron transport proteins for the AP Exam.