Steady-state coupling of four membrane systems in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. 1979

T L Hill

According to Alexandre, Reynafarje, and Lehninger, four different membrane systems are involved, with definite stoichiometry, in the mitochondrial synthesis of ATP by electron transport, via proton transport. We adopt this model and pursue some of its thermodynamic consequences. At steady state, each of the four systems must have the same flux J through the membrane and the overall thermodynamic force X for oxidative phosphorylation is the sum of the four separate forces. From these properties, using an empirical linear flux-force relation for each system, it is easy to obtain J as a function of X. In turn, X depends on the inside [NAD+]/[NADH] and the outside [ATP]/[ADP][Pi] quotients (and on the pH inside). Thus, J is related to these quotients. The relationship we derive is similar to that described by Erecińska and Wilson, as deduced from a quite different model of oxidative phosphorylation. Proton transport is involved explicitly in three of the four systems of the present model. However, because of the steady-state stoichiometric coupling of the four systems, proton transport does not appear in the overall reaction. On the other hand, Erecińska and Wilson use, in their model, a direct connection between electron transport and ATP synthesis. The present paper demonstrates that J can be related to the quotients mentioned above without this direct connection.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007425 Intracellular Membranes Thin structures that encapsulate subcellular structures or ORGANELLES in EUKARYOTIC CELLS. They include a variety of membranes associated with the CELL NUCLEUS; the MITOCHONDRIA; the GOLGI APPARATUS; the ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM; LYSOSOMES; PLASTIDS; and VACUOLES. Membranes, Intracellular,Intracellular Membrane,Membrane, Intracellular
D008928 Mitochondria Semiautonomous, self-reproducing organelles that occur in the cytoplasm of all cells of most, but not all, eukaryotes. Each mitochondrion is surrounded by a double limiting membrane. The inner membrane is highly invaginated, and its projections are called cristae. Mitochondria are the sites of the reactions of oxidative phosphorylation, which result in the formation of ATP. They contain distinctive RIBOSOMES, transfer RNAs (RNA, TRANSFER); AMINO ACYL T RNA SYNTHETASES; and elongation and termination factors. Mitochondria depend upon genes within the nucleus of the cells in which they reside for many essential messenger RNAs (RNA, MESSENGER). Mitochondria are believed to have arisen from aerobic bacteria that established a symbiotic relationship with primitive protoeukaryotes. (King & Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed) Mitochondrial Contraction,Mitochondrion,Contraction, Mitochondrial,Contractions, Mitochondrial,Mitochondrial Contractions
D008954 Models, Biological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D010085 Oxidative Phosphorylation Electron transfer through the cytochrome system liberating free energy which is transformed into high-energy phosphate bonds. Phosphorylation, Oxidative,Oxidative Phosphorylations,Phosphorylations, Oxidative

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