title: Physical basis of charge pairing in mitochondria.
abstract: The postulate of charge pairing in the mitochondrial inner membrane is justified by applying a formula due to Fuoss to calculate the probability density for the distance between a positive and a negative charge. For dielectric constants 10 or less pairing is absolute, for 20 there is some tendency towards pairing, and at 78 it is nonexistent. Pairing, partner exchange or charge substitution, inhibition, and antiport uncoupling can be rationalized within this framework.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D004573:Electrolytes; D008433:Mathematics; D008928:Mitochondria; D013347:Subcellular Fractions
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes