Translocation of Protons

and the Establishment of

a Proton-motive force
Ofuchi, Pagkalinawan, Panoso, Pasahol
Translocation of Protons and the Establishment
of a Proton-motive force Proton Gradient is a product of ETC
Components of the proton gradient: which alllows the movement of
protons (H+) across the membrane.
– Concentration gradient between matrix and intermembrane space
creates a pH gradient (ΔpH).

– Separation of charge across the membrane creates an electric

potential (Ψ).

– Energy present in both components of the gradients is proton‐

motive force (Δp).

Dinitrophenol (DNP) uncouples glucose oxidation and ATP

formation by increasing the permeability of the inner membrane to
H+, thus eliminating the proton gradient.

Differences in uncoupling proteins (UCPs) account for differences

in metabolic rate
 What is the
translocation of
Protons?
Translocation of protons simply means the
movement of protons across the inner
mitochondrial membrane. This movement
produces voltage because of the greater
number of positive charges in the
intermembrane space and cytosol and a
greater number of negative charge outside
the matrix. The translocation also creates a
pH gradient.

A gradient that has both concentration and

chemical component is called an
electrochemical gradient.
 What is a Proton-
motive force?
The proton motive force occurs when the cell membrane
becomes energized due to electron transport reactions by
the electron carriers embedded in it. Basically, this causes
the cell to act like a tiny battery.

ATP synthesis is linked to the proton motive force through

oxidative phosphorylation, where a phosphate group is
added to ADP.
THE CELL MEMBRANE IS ENERGIZED WHEN:
THERE IS AN ACCUMULATION OF

POSITIVE PROTONS (H+) OUTSIDE THE MEMBRANE

NEGATIVE HYDROXIDE IONS (OH-) INSIDE THE

MEMBRANE