Abstract
AN integral and constant stoichiometric ratio is usually assumed to relate to coupled metabolic processes. In particular, the ratio of ATP production to oxygen consumption (P/O) is considered integral and constant in all discussions of oxidative phosphorylation. This view is maintained despite the fact that it conflicts with a great deal of experimental evidence1. Although the discrepancies are often explained on the basis of technical difficulties, Slater2 has pointed out that some uncoupling may represent physiological reactions, and that it is probably not possible completely to eliminate “uncoupled” reactions. We feel that despite the recognition of intrinsic uncoupling, its true significance has not been appreciated. Mechanisms and efficiency are still invariably assessed in terms of stoichiometry. We shall discuss some sources of non-stoichiometry, and then consider the implications of incomplete coupling, with particular reference to theories of oxidative phosphorylation.
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References
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ROTTENBERG, H., CAPLAN, S. & ESSIG, A. Stoichiometry and Coupling: Theories of Oxidative Phosphorylation. Nature 216, 610–611 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/216610a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/216610a0
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