Master Oxidative Phosphorylation

Pore Structure in Oxidative Phosphorylation

• The arm of the pore that faces the mitochondrial matrix is responsible for taking up protons during oxidative phosphorylation.
• This arm facilitates proton entry, playing a critical role in the proton gradient necessary for ATP synthesis.

Electron Passage and Affinity Changes

• When an electron passes through the complex, the affinity of the arm facing the intermembrane space decreases.
• This reduction in affinity is crucial for driving protons across the membrane, contributing to the electrochemical gradient.

O2 Consumption and End Result

• The utilization of O2 in oxidative phosphorylation results in the production of water (H2O).
• This reaction is essential as it serves as the final electron acceptor, completing the electron transport chain process.

Middle Pore Functionality

• The arm facing toward the center of the pore continues to facilitate the transport of protons.
• It acts as a channel through which protons are effectively released into the intermembrane space.

Consequences of Electron Departure

• When the electron exits the complex, it leads to a conformation change in the protein structure.
• This change further promotes proton pumping into the intermembrane space, maintaining the proton gradient that drives ATP synthase.