Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation in microbial systems

Like mammalian systems, bacteria obtain energy by the process of oxidative phosphorylation. In both systems a great deal of the internal structure of the cell is devoted to providing a framework for ATP synthesis. These membranous systems contain the structuraly based electron transport chains which are geared to the production of ATP. The differences observed in oxidative phosphorylation between bacterial and mammalian systems or between different bacterial preparations are not as impressive as their similarities. Studies with bacterial systems capable of oxidative phosphorylation have further established the concept of a basic biochemial unity between different biological forms. Energy generation in bacteria occurs with the oxidation of both organic and inorganic materials. Analysis of the process with either type of substrate indicates a similarity in the mechanisms of energy generation. Thus, even the most rudimentary nutritional forms of life have developed this complex process for energy generation. The bacterial systems offer a fresh approach to the study of the mechanism of energy generation in biological systems. (ERB)