Editing Mitochondrial matrix (section)

=== Oxidative phosphorylation ===
NADH and [[Flavin adenine dinucleotide|FADH<sub>2</sub>]] are produced in the matrix or transported in through porin and transport proteins in order to undergo oxidation through oxidative phosphorylation.<ref name=":0" /> NADH and FADH<sub>2</sub> undergo oxidation in the electron transport chain by transferring an [[electron]]s to regenerate [[NAD+|NAD<sup>+</sup>]] and [[Flavin adenine dinucleotide|FAD]]. Protons are pulled into the [[intermembrane space]] by the energy of the electrons going through the electron transport chain. Four electrons are finally accepted by oxygen in the matrix to complete the electron transport chain. The protons return to the mitochondrial matrix through the protein [[ATP synthase]]. The energy is used in order to rotate ATP synthase which facilitates the passage of a proton, producing ATP. A pH difference between the matrix and intermembrane space creates an electrochemical gradient by which ATP synthase can pass a proton into the matrix favorably.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last1=Dimroth|first1=P.|last2=Kaim|first2=G.|last3=Matthey|first3=U.|date=2000-01-01|title=Crucial role of the membrane potential for ATP synthesis by F(1)F(o) ATP synthases|journal=The Journal of Experimental Biology|volume=203|issue=Pt 1|pages=51–59|doi=10.1242/jeb.203.1.51 |issn=0022-0949|pmid=10600673|bibcode=2000JExpB.203...51D }}</ref>