Here's why:
* Electron Transport Chain: This process uses the energy released from the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This creates a proton gradient, and the potential energy stored in this gradient is used by ATP synthase to generate ATP.
* Inner Mitochondrial Membrane: This membrane is the location of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, the key components of oxidative phosphorylation.
While glycolysis and the Krebs cycle also produce some ATP, the electron transport chain is responsible for the vast majority of ATP produced during aerobic respiration.
