Abstract
A mechanism for proton pumping is described that is based on chemiosmotic principles and the detailed molecular structures now available for cytochrome oxidases. The importance of conserved water positions and a step-wise gated process of proton translocation is emphasized, where discrete electron transfer events are coupled to proton uptake and expulsion. The trajectory of each pumped proton is the same for all four substrate electrons. An essential role for the His-Tyr cross-linked species is discussed, in gating of the D- and K-channels and as an acceptor/donor of electrons and protons at the binuclear center.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 541-549 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2008 |
Keywords
- Chemiosmotic principles
- Heme-copper oxidases
- Proton pumping
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Cell Biology