The role of Coenzyme Q in mitochondrial electron transport

Mitochondrion. 2007 Jun:7 Suppl:S8-33. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2007.03.009. Epub 2007 Mar 31.

Abstract

In mitochondria, most Coenzyme Q is free in the lipid bilayer; the question as to whether tightly bound, non-exchangeable Coenzyme Q molecules exist in mitochondrial complexes is still an open question. We review the mechanism of inter-complex electron transfer mediated by ubiquinone and discuss the kinetic consequences of the supramolecular organization of the respiratory complexes (randomly dispersed vs. super-complexes) in terms of Coenzyme Q pool behavior vs. metabolic channeling, respectively, both in physiological and in some pathological conditions. As an example of intra-complex electron transfer, we discuss in particular Complex I, a topic that is still under active investigation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biochemistry / methods
  • Electron Transport
  • Electron Transport Complex I
  • Electrons
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Ubiquinone / physiology*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Ubiquinone
  • Electron Transport Complex I