Oxidative Phosphorylation in Bacteria

Abstract

Oxidative phosphorylation, i.e., the formation of energy-rich adenosine triphosphate from the energy of substances oxidized in the organism, is generally recognized as one of the most important processes in the cells of animals and most microorganisms, since it ensures the accomplishment of almost all the other vital processes. The term “oxidative phosphorylation,” as distinct from photosynthetic and glycolytic phosphorylation, means that the transfer of electrons (hydrogen) from the oxidizable substance to oxygen or another acceptor is effected by means of specific dehydrogenases and other enzymes forming the respiratory chain. This process is represented schematically in Fig. 19.