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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oxidative phosphorylation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Apr. 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

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