Consequences of Impaired Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process of cellular respiration is vital for the energy production in cells. It primarily occurs in the mitochondria and consists of several stages, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into pyruvate, while the citric acid cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, producing electron carriers. The final stage, oxidative phosphorylation, utilizes the electron transport chain to generate ATP with oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

In eukaryotic cells, the efficiency of ATP production can vary due to specific components found in the mitochondria and the nature of the electron transport chain. Consider the consequences of disruptions in mitochondrial function on ATP synthesis. Which of the following options best describes a primary consequence of impaired oxidative phosphorylation on cellular functions?