oxidative phosphorylation

noun

: 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

Examples of oxidative phosphorylation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mitochondria power the cell by taking electrons and using them to make a cellular fuel called ATP, through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. Megan Molteni, STAT, 23 July 2022 Memory T cells, for instance, typically favor oxidative phosphorylation and consume fatty acids. Mitch Leslie, Science | AAAS, 29 Mar. 2018 Metformin curtails oxidative phosphorylation, whereas 2DG squelches glycolysis. Mitch Leslie, Science | AAAS, 29 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxidative phosphorylation was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near oxidative phosphorylation

oxidation state

oxidative phosphorylation

oxide

Cite this Entry

“Oxidative phosphorylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxidative%20phosphorylation. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

oxidative phosphorylation

noun
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on oxidative phosphorylation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!