Inhibitors of the slow stage of proton transfer in the link connecting respiration with mitochondrial phosphorylation

Electrophilic agents--derivatives of carbonic acids--are found to inhibit respiration, ATP synthesis and reverse electrone transport in intact mitochondria. The inhibition of respiration and ATPase was observed in intact mitochondria at 3 and 3u states (by Chance). Inhibitors concentrations, which caused 50% inhibition, were approximately the same. Sharp decrease of the effect of electrophilic inhibitors on respiration and ATPase activity in mitochondria and submitochondrial particles with substantially impaired coupling system was observed. The following conclusions are drawn on the basis of the data obtained: 1) electrophilic inhibitor attack the coupling site of respiration and ATP synthesis in mitochondria; 2) the reaction of the proton transport from the respiration proton pump to ATP synthetase is one of the slowest steps of the process of ATP-synthesis in mitochondria. A scheme of working the coupling system is suggested which includes the step of proton lateral diffusion.