Phosphorylation coupled to oxidation of thiol groups (GSH) by cytochrome c with disulfide (GSSG) as an essential catalyst II. Demonstration of ATP formation from ADP and HPO42-

Abstract

The oxidation of GSH by cytochrome c in buffered solution with GSSG as a catalyst can generate ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The ATP formation is not due to adenylatekinase activity in the ATP measuring enzyme system or other components. This direct coupling of phosphorylation with electron transfer is selective for ADP, with 0.15 mM being comparable to 10 mM AMP. It may represent the type reaction for coupling of phosphorylation to one or more sites in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. The stoichiometry indicates one ∼PO4 per cytochrome c reduced or electron transferred. Metal caltyzed transfer of electrons from GSH to cytochrome c does not produce phosphorylation. © 1970.