ATP synthase is a crucial enzyme that synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by utilizing a proton gradient across a membrane. This process occurs primarily during oxidative phosphorylation, where ATP synthase harnesses the energy from protons flowing back into the mitochondrial matrix to convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate into ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. Its operation is tightly linked to both the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain, making it essential for cellular respiration and energy production.
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