Proton currents and protein motion in membranes

FEBS Letters

Marvin, D.A.¹ 

[1] European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 6900 Heidelberg, FRG

关键词: α-Helix;    Chemiosmosis;    Protein conformation;    Protein transport;    Proton gradient;    Proton pump;   

DOI  :  10.1016/0014-5793(83)80235-X

学科分类：生物化学/生物物理

来源: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

【 摘 要 】

A mechanism is proposed whereby a proton gradient along a membrane-spanning α-helix is coupled to small changes in the torsional angles around the α-helix peptide bonds. Small concerted changes in the torsional angles are coupled to a change in the unit twist of the α-helix; a change in the unit twist is coupled to a change in the crossing angle between neighbouring α-helices; and a change in the crossing angle is coupled to a change in the size and shape of an assembly of α-helices. Following this logical linkage in one direction shows how a proton gradient could induce a pumping motion in an assembly of α-helices; following it in the other direction shows how motion in an assembly of α-helices could pump protons.

【 授权许可】

Unknown