A minimal hypothesis for membrane-linked free-energy transduction: The role of independent, small coupling units

摘要: Experimental data are reviewed that not in keeping with the scheme of 'delocalized' protonic coupling membrane-linked free-energy transduction. It turns out there three main types anomalies: (i) rates electron transfer and ATP synthesis do solely depend on their own driving force delta mu H, (ii) ('static head') ratio Gp to H varies (iii) inhibition either some electron-transfer chains or H+-ATPases, does cause an overcapacity other, non-inhibited proton pumps. None earlier schemes, alternative delocalized coupling, can account for these anomalies. We propose add a fifth postulate, namely unit, four existing postulates 'delocalized coupling' show that, this again most experimental observations. also discuss: how might seem be at odds 'coupling unit' hypothesis accounted problem spatial arrangement electrical field different schemes.