ABSTRACT
Hypothesis: DHA-enriched membranes are inherently leaky against H+ and have evolved under conditions that minimize or counter the negative impact of such leaks.
The most fundamental role of membrane lipid chains is in forming a permeability barrier against protons, sodium, and other metabolites essential for cellular bioenergetics and growth. The importance of proton permeability is highlighted in the discovery by Peter Mitchell that energy stored in the form of proton electrochemical gradients across membranes represents the primary energy form powering cellular life (Mitchell, 1961; see Chapter 1 reference). Previously, this honor was given to ATP, which we consider secondary to proton chemiosmotic energy. Sodium in the form of chemiosmotic gradients also plays an important role in bioenergetics, but it is generally secondary to protons.
