2Helsinki Bioenergetics Group, Institute of Biotechnology, P.O. Box 65, (Viikinkaari 1), 00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland: fax: +358-9-191-58-001; E-mail: michael.verkhovsky@helsinki.fi
* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received September 9, 2004
Structural and catalytic properties of bacterial Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductases are briefly described. Special attention is given to studies on kinetics of the enzyme interaction with NADH and the role of sodium ions in this process. Based on the existing data, possible model mechanisms of sodium transfer by Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase are proposed.
KEY WORDS: Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase, sodium potential, Vibrio, respiratory chain