oxidative phosphorylation n the synthesis of ATP by phosphorylation of ADP for which energy is obtained by electron transport and which takes place in the mitochondria during aerobic respiration
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the formation of high energy phosphate bonds by phosphorylation of ADP to ATP coupled to the transfer of electrons from reduced coenzymes (NADH or FADH2) to molecular oxygen via the electron transport chain (see illustration under chain). Three molecules of ATP per NADH and two per FADH2 are produced as a result of a proton gradient created across the mitochondrial inner membrane by the electron transport chain.Medical dictionary. 2011.