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Redox loops and proton pumps
Author(s) -
Malmström Bo G.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80745-2
Subject(s) - redox , proton , chemistry , coupling (piping) , electron transfer , confusion , chemical physics , physics , photochemistry , materials science , inorganic chemistry , quantum mechanics , psychology , psychoanalysis , metallurgy
In a Review‐Hypothesis , Mitchell [(1987) FEBS Lett. 222, 235–245] has recently suggested possible molecular mechanisms for proton translocation by cytochrome oxidase. In describing these mechanisms, he extended his own concept of a redox loop in a manner expected to lead to confusion. He also stated that the term redox‐linked proton pump implies an indirect coupling between electron transfer and proton translocation, and that this type of coupling is very difficult to test experimentally. Here it is argued that the original meaning of a redox loop should be maintained, and proper definitions of the terms redox‐linked proton pump and direct or indirect coupling are formulated. In addition, it is reasoned that both types of coupling are amenable to experimental tests.