What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Oxidative phosphorylation is a process in which electrons are transferred from electron donors to oxygen, which acts as electron acceptor. The oxidation-reduction reactions are involved in the formation of proton gradient. The main role in oxidative phosphorylation is played by the enzyme ATP synthase (complex V). This enzyme complex consists of $F_{0}$ and $F_{1}$ components. The $F_{1}$ headpiece is a peripheral membrane protein complex and contains the site for ATP synthesis from ADP and inorganic phosphate. $\mathrm{F}_{0}$ component is a part of membrane protein complex, which acts as a channel for crossing of the protons from inner mitochondrial membrane to the mitochondrial matrix. For every two protons passing through $\mathrm{F}_{0}-\mathrm{F}_{1}$ complex, synthesis of one ATP molecule takes place.