In oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen must be present to receive electrons from the protein complexes. This allows for more electrons and high energy molecules to be passed along, and maintains the hydrogen pumping that produces ATP.

Does oxidative respiration need oxygen?

As it turns out, the reason you need oxygen is so your cells can use this molecule during oxidative phosphorylation, the final stage of cellular respiration. ... Oxygen sits at the end of the electron transport chain, where it accepts electrons and picks up protons to form water.

Is oxidative phosphorylation oxygen dependent?

It is concluded that the oxygen dependence of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is such that mitochondria could function in their proposed role of tissue oxygen sensors for regulation of such diverse functions as local blood flow and electrical activity in the carotid body.