gen-state-oxidative-phosphorylation-precisely-and-explain-why-it-32ff

State oxidative phosphorylation precisely and explain why it matters in 2-3 sentences.

# Oxidative Phosphorylation **Definition:** Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic process in which ATP is synthesized from ADP and inorganic phosphate, driven by the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH₂ through the electron transport chain to oxygen, creating a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase. **Why it matters:** This process generates approximately 90% of the cell's ATP (26-28 molecules per glucose), making it the primary energy source for most cellular activities. Without functional oxidative phosphorylation, cells must rely on far less efficient glycolysis alone, which is why mitochondrial dysfunction leads to severe diseases affecting high-energy organs like the brain, heart, and muscles.