Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation: Debunking the concepts of electron transport chain, proton pumps, chemiosmosis and rotary ATP synthesis

TL;DR

This paper critically reevaluates and debunks traditional concepts of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, proposing a new paradigm due to the implausibility of established mechanisms like electron transport and chemiosmosis.

Contribution

It challenges long-standing hypotheses and introduces a novel, viable explanation for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

Findings

Proton deficiency in mitochondria undermines proton pump models

Electron transport chain and chemiosmosis are deemed non-viable

A new explanatory paradigm for cellular respiration is proposed

Abstract

Herein (the first part of my work), I debunk the long-standing hypotheses that explain mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Simple calculations point out that mitochondria are highly proton-deficient microcosms and therefore, elaborate proton pump machinery are not tenable. Further, other elements like the elaborate electron transport chain, chemiosmosis, rotary ATP synthesis, etc. are also critically evaluated to point out that such complicated systems are non-viable. The communication necessitates a new explanatory paradigm for cellular respiration. In the second part of my work, I have put forward a viable alternative explanatory paradigm for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.