Where does oxidative phosphorylation take place in eukaryotic cells?

Oxidative phosphorylation occurs specifically at the inner membrane of the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. This process is a crucial part of cellular respiration, where ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced as electrons are transferred through the electron transport chain. The inner mitochondrial membrane contains the necessary proteins, including electron carrier complexes and ATP synthase, which facilitate this process.

As electrons move through the chain, protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is vital for ATP synthesis, as protons flow back into the matrix through ATP synthase, driving the production of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The role of the inner mitochondrial membrane is therefore central to harnessing energy from nutrients, making it the site where oxidative phosphorylation effectively occurs.