Chemiosmosis in Phosphorylation

Describe chemiosmosis as it relates to oxidative phosphorylation.

Chemiosmosis involves the movement of protons (hydrogen ions) moving across a membrane (down its concentration gradient) to provide energy so that oxidative phosphorylation can occur. Oxidative phosphorylation is a metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the oxidation of glucose to produce ATP.

Although the many forms of life on earth use a range of different nutrients, almost all carry out oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP, the molecule that supplies energy to metabolism. This pathway is probably so pervasive because it is a highly efficient way of releasing energy, compared to alternative fermentation processes such as anaerobic glycolysis.