Why is formation of atp by atp synthase in the mitochondria known as oxidative phosphorylation?

Because the redox reactions create proton gradient which is responsible for the production of ATP

Explanation:

During the process of aerobic respiration, the electron transport occurs in mitochondria through a sequence which is known as electron transport chain. When electrons are transferred from one complex to the other complex present in the inner membrane of mitochondria, the redox reactions occur and as a result of these redox reactions the proton gradient is created across the inner membrane of mitochondria. This proton gradient is further used to drive the synthesis of ATP with the help of ATP synthase. As the redox reactions create proton gradient which is responsible for the production of ATP, the process is named as the oxidative phosphorylation.

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