title: Molecular mechanisms for proton transport in membranes.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008566:Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011522:Protons
chemical_list: D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011522:Protons
references.citation: J Membr Biol. 1976 Dec 28;30(2):121-34
references.pmid: 13221
references.citation: Biosystems. 1977 Apr;8(4):207-12
references.pmid: 18228
references.citation: J Biol Chem. 1976 Nov 25;251(22):7059-65
references.pmid: 62754
references.citation: Biochim Biophys Acta. 1976 Apr 30;456(1):39-84
references.pmid: 178381
references.citation: Annu Rev Biophys Bioeng. 1977;6:87-109
references.pmid: 326156
references.citation: J Theor Biol. 1976 Oct 21;62(2):271-85
references.pmid: 994523
references.citation: Nature. 1975 Sep 4;257(5521):28-32
references.pmid: 1161000
references.citation: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1966 Jan;55(1):170-7
references.pmid: 5220864
references.citation: Sci Am. 1966 Nov;215(5):118-24
references.pmid: 5978597
references.citation: Nature. 1961 Jul 8;191:144-8
references.pmid: 13771349
references.citation: Science. 1969 Dec 12;166(3911):1359-64
references.pmid: 17744959