Mitochondrial inner membrane oxidative phosphorylation system

The **mitochondrial inner membrane oxidative phosphorylation system** (OXPHOS) refers to the ensemble of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that carry out electron transport and ATP synthesis, the final step of cellular respiration[3][4][5][6][7]. The inner membrane houses the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I-IV (NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase, cytochrome c oxidase) and ATP synthase (complex V), collectively catalyzing the transfer of electrons from reduced substrates (NADH, FADH2) to oxygen, coupled to the active transport of protons to generate an electrochemical gradient (proton motive force)[1][3][4][5][6]. ATP synthase uses this gradient to drive phosphorylation of ADP to ATP, supplying energy essential for nearly all cellular processes. Defects in this system are implicated in a wide spectrum of human diseases, especially those affecting organs with high metabolic requirements such as the brain and heart[3][5]. Note: "Mitochondrial inner membrane / oxidative phosphorylation" is not a single molecular target but a structural system and process composed of multiple distinct protein complexes; for drug development or biological targeting, one typically refers to individual complexes (e.g., NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase) rather than the entire membrane or process collectively[1][3][4].

Other names

inner mitochondrial membraneIMMoxidative phosphorylation systemelectron transport chainOXPHOS

Inhibition of specific electron transport chain complexes (I-IV) - Uncoupling of ATP synthesis from electron transport - Modulation of proton gradient or membrane potential