Nagle J F, Morowitz H J
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1978 Jan;75(1):298-302. doi: 10.1073/pnas.75.1.298.
Likely mechanisms for proton transport through biomembranes are explored. The fundamental structural element is assumed to be continuous chains of hydrogen bonds formed from the protein side groups, and a molecular example is presented. From studies in ice, such chains are predicted to have low impedance and can function as proton wires. In addition, conformational changes in the protein may be linked to the proton conduction. If this possibility is allowed, a simple proton pump can be described that can be reversed into a molecular motor driven by an electrochemical potential across the membrane.
本文探讨了质子通过生物膜传输的可能机制。假定基本结构单元是由蛋白质侧链基团形成的氢键连续链，并给出了一个分子实例。根据对冰的研究，预计此类链具有低阻抗，可作为质子导线发挥作用。此外，蛋白质的构象变化可能与质子传导相关。如果考虑这种可能性，就可以描述一种简单的质子泵，它可以反向转变为由跨膜电化学势驱动的分子马达。
