Protonmotive force - from motive protons to membrane potential

Abstract

The protonmotive force (pmF) is central to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), coupling oxygen consumption (OX) in cell respiration to phosphorylation of ADP to ATP (PHOS). Defined as an electrochemical potential difference, the pmF consists of two components: the electric part pmF_el, linked to the transmembrane potential difference (ΔΨ), and the diffusive part pmF_d, related to the pH difference (ΔpH) across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Although pmF_el is dominant in animal mitochondria, pmF_d — often overlooked — contributes significantly under physiological conditions.

Peter Mitchell’s chemiosmotic theory defines four integrated coupling modules. Module 1: The ATP synthase utilizes the pmF producing ATP (PHOS). Module 2: The electron transfer system generates the pmF by redox-driven proton transport (OX). Module 3: Coupling of proton translocation to electroneutral ion exchange modulates the balance from pmF_d to pmF_el. Module 4: The coupling membrane integrates these structural and functional coupling modules.

A ΔpH of only 0.5 units contributes approximately 15–20 % to the total pmF, emphasizing that pmF_d can provide a significant thermodynamic push. Oversimplified textbook conventions are challenged by rigorously incorporating stoichiometric numbers ν_H+ and the charge number z_H+ in the equations defining the advancement of proton translocation and the protonmotive force. A transparent theoretical framework bridges theory and experiment with an innovative conceptual drive.

• The pmF explains the mechanism of OXPHOS coupling.
• H⁺-linked electron transfer in redox reactions drives compartmental H⁺ transport.
• The pmF with units [J/mol] or [V = J/C] is isomorphic to physical forces with unit newton [N = J/m].

Force times advancement of the motive quantity yields energy [J] in the form of exergy available for work.

Cite:

Gnaiger E (2025) The protonmotive force – from motive protons to membrane potential. BEC preprints 2025.3. https://doi.org/10.26124/becprep.2025-0003