[Theoretical analysis of H+/O stoichiometry during aerobic oxidation in E. coli in the stationary state]

A general scheme of E. coli respiratory chain under aerobic oxidation with NAD.H2 is considered. The ratio H+/O is calculated by the currents method for the respiratory chain in a stationary state. The maximal possible stoichiometry is shown to equal 8. The origin of different H+/O values in the respiratory chains is discussed.