Revisiting Mitchell’s chemiosmotic theory in light of new stoichiometric reaction equations of ATPase II

Abstract

Chemiosmotic theory has been reining the field of bioenergetics since its inception. As stoichiometric mechanisms of the underlying chemical reactions have now been elucidated, it calls for a revision in the relationships derived by Mitchell in his seminal review paper. Here in this work, new formulation of the relationship between the pH difference and transmembrane potential, as derived in light of modified ATPase II reaction stoichiometry, has been proposed for the first time. This formulation results in accurate estimation of dependence of transmembrane potential on the pH difference across the two sides of the mitochondrial membrane. Thus, this work is of potential interest and will enable researchers working in the field of bioenergetics involving chemiosmotic theory to come-up with more exact mechanistic explanations.