Cellular Respiration - Oxidative Phosphorylation and Fermentation

Oxidative Phosphorylation: The Final Stage of Cellular Respiration

Overview and ATP Yield

  • Definition: Oxidative phosphorylation is the concluding phase of cellular respiration, encompassing both oxidation steps (electron transfer) and phosphorylation (the conversion of ADP to ATP).
  • Purpose: To regenerate ATP, specifically the bulk of the ATP produced from a single glucose molecule.
  • Total ATP per Glucose: The complete breakdown of one glucose molecule yields a net total of 3232 ATP.
    • Glycolysis: Contributes 22 net ATP.
    • Citric Acid Cycle (TCA Cycle): Contributes 22 net ATP (one per turn, as the cycle runs twice per glucose).
    • Oxidative Phosphorylation: Generates the remaining 2828 ATP, highlighting its significant contribution compared to the