Which enzyme is involved in the synthesis of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation?

The enzyme involved in the synthesis of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation is ATP synthase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, specifically during the process of chemiosmosis that occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

During oxidative phosphorylation, electrons are transported through a series of protein complexes in the electron transport chain, which creates a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane. ATP synthase utilizes this proton gradient by allowing protons to flow back into the mitochondrial matrix. This flow of protons provides the energy required for ATP synthase to catalyze the conversion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

This process is essential for generating the bulk of ATP produced during cellular respiration, highlighting the pivotal role of ATP synthase in energy metabolism.