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Concept

Proton-motive Force

Proton-motive force

Stored electrochemical energy created by differences in proton concentration and charge across a membrane.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

When protons are more concentrated on one side of a membrane and the sides have different charge, protons tend to flow back. Cells can use that flow to power work.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
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Follow the Connections

See how Proton-motive Force links to other biological records.

Open network
ProcessChemiosmosisusesPathwayOxidative PhosphorylationdrivesConceptConcentration Gradientscontributes toConceptMembrane Potentialcontributes to
All 4 Structured Connections
Chemiosmosis · ProcessUSES →Proton-motive Force · Concept
Proton-motive Force · ConceptDRIVES →Oxidative Phosphorylation · Pathway
Concentration Gradients · ConceptCONTRIBUTES TO →Proton-motive Force · Concept
Membrane Potential · ConceptCONTRIBUTES TO →Proton-motive Force · Concept

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Proton-motive Force.

textbookThe Mechanism of Oxidative PhosphorylationThe Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookThe Compartmentalization of CellsMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf pathwayATP formation by chemiosmotic coupling (R-HSA-163210)Reactome · Homo sapiens
Research Claims

Proton-motive force is a thermodynamic driving force, not a single molecule. Its components and measurement depend on the membrane, ionic conditions, and the coupled transport or synthesis process.