| Abstract: | The respiration of Arum spadix mitochondria is coupled to asub-maximal stoichiometry of ATP synthesis. The P/O ratios associatedwith the oxidation of succinate or malate are decreased by antimycinand increased by m-chlorobenzhydroxamic acid, an inhibitor ofthe alternative oxidase. The mitochondrial ATPase activity of2040 nmol (mg protein)1 min1 is independentof the maturity of the spadix and is unlikely to provide themechanism for heat production during the odoriferous stage,which probably results from an increase in the rate of electrontransport via the non-phosphorylating, cyanide-insensitive oxidase. |
