<P> The energy released by electrons flowing through this electron transport chain is used to transport protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane , in a process called electron transport . This generates potential energy in the form of a pH gradient and an electrical potential across this membrane . This store of energy is tapped when protons flow back across the membrane and down the potential energy gradient , through a large enzyme called ATP synthase ; this process is known as chemiosmosis . The ATP synthase uses the energy to transform adenosine diphosphate ( ADP ) into adenosine triphosphate , in a phosphorylation reaction . The reaction is driven by the proton flow , which forces the rotation of a part of the enzyme ; the ATP synthase is a rotary mechanical motor . </P>
where does the energy for oxidative phosphorylation come from
electrons flowing through this electron transport chain is used to transport protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane , in a process called electron transport . This generates potential energy in the form of a pH gradient and an electrical potential across this membrane