Functions of the hydrophilic channels in protonmotive cytochrome c oxidase.

ABSTRACT: The structures and functions of hydrophilic channels in electron-transferring membrane proteins are discussed. A distinction is made between proton channels that can conduct protons and dielectric channels that are non-conducting but can dielectrically polarize in response to the introduction of charge changes in buried functional centres. Functions of the K, D and H channels found in A1-type cytochrome c oxidases are reviewed in relation to these ideas. Possible control of function by dielectric channels and their evolutionary relation to proton channels is explored.

SUBMITTER: Rich PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3730678 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature