LOCATION

Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria. Everyone knows this organelle to be the “powerhouse of the cell.” However, the mitochondria is much more complex than it seems.

It is composed largely of three main parts: the cristae, the matrix, and the intermembrane space, which is found in between the inner and outer membrane.

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Perhaps the most important part of the mitochondria in oxidative phosphorylation is the cristae. Cristae is defined as the “infoldings” of the inner membrane.

Through its numerous folds, the inner membrane is able to achieve a greater surface area and allow for more material to be stored inside the mitochondria. However, it is also where the electron transport chain and ATP synthase protein are found, which are both extremely important in this process.

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