Excitation energy transfer in Anacystis nidulans.

Several natural acyclic sesquiterpenes with capacity for insect growth regulation have been shown to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation in mouse-liver mitochondria. These agents stimulate succinate oxidation, reverse oligomycin-inhibited state 3 respiration, activate ATP-hydrolysis, induce loss of respiratory control and abolish $\text{ADP}\text{O}$ ratio. Permeability of the inner membrane to potassium, sodium, ammonium and chloride ions as well as to protons is also enhanced. Since the structure of these agents precludes protonophoric activity, the possible mechanism of uncoupling by these juvenile hormones is discussed.