Oligomycin directly inhibits ATP synthase. Electron transport chain inhibitors block ATP synthesis by reducing the electrochemical gradient, such as rotenone, antimycin A, carbon monoxide, cyanide, and azide drugs. There are various toxic agents that can disrupt oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis. Molecular oxygen serves as the final destination for electrons and is converted to water in this process. ATP synthase harnesses the energy from the gradient to make ATP in a process called chemiosmosis. NADH and FADH2 electrons move along the electron transport chain while protons are transported to the intermembrane space, creating an electrochemical gradient. This process takes place in the mitochondria and consists of several components, including complex 1, complex 2, CoQ, complex 3, cytochrome c, complex 4, and ATP synthase. Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic process of making ATP using energy obtained from the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain.
