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Updated: Oct 28, 2025

Isolation and Functional Analysis of Mitochondria from Cultured Cells and Mouse Tissue
Published on: March 23, 2015
Mitochondrial energetics with transmembrane electrostatically localized protons: do we have a thermotrophic feature?
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA. jwlee@odu.edu.
Mitochondria utilize environmental heat energy for ATP synthesis through a thermotrophic function, enhancing proton motive force (pmf) via transmembrane electrostatically localized protons (TELP). This process significantly boosts energy conversion efficiency in cellular functions.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Respiration
- Bioenergetics
Background:
- The classic Mitchell's chemiosmosis model is extended by the Transmembrane Electrostatically Localized Protons (TELP) theory.
- TELP significantly contributes to the proton motive force (pmf) near biological membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel mitochondrial thermotrophic function.
- To investigate the relationship between pmf and TELP concentrations at the liquid-membrane interface.
Main Methods:
- Biophysical analyses of pmf.
- Quantification of TELP concentrations at the liquid-membrane interface.
Main Results:
- Mitochondria utilize environmental heat energy (kBT) via TELP for oxidative phosphorylation.
- Local pmf ranges from 300-340 mV, significantly higher than classic pmf (60-210 mV).
- The thermotrophic function increases pmf by 2.6 to sixfold, depending on TELP concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria can harness environmental heat energy using TELP for ATP synthesis.
- This process converts heat energy into chemical energy for cellular functions.
- Mitochondria exhibit a thermotrophic function, enhancing energy conversion efficiency.
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