Abstract
Measurement of oxidative phosphorylation in rat-liver mitochondria was performed using a platinum oxygen electrode and ADP as acceptor substance in the absence of added alkali metal ions. Under these conditions both active respiration and high P/O ratios were observed with succinate and oxoglutarate as substrates (1.9 and 2.9 respectively). The addition of Na+ and K+ either singly or in combination up to a concentration of 75 mM, had little effect on mitochondrial respiration or phosphorylation. Intramitochondrial K+ was also measured during active respiration and phosphorylation, and showed a considerable fall to about 25% of the initial value during 30 min incubation. Respiration and phosphate esterification were estimated during this period, and were found to be linear. Intramitochondrial Na+ showed a similar but much less pronounced fall under these conditions. It is concluded from these experiments that Na+ or K+ do not stimulate respiration or phosphorylation in rat-liver mitochondria.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
