Partial uncoupling, or inhibition of electron transport rate, have equivalent effects on the relationship between the rate of ATP synthesis and proton-motive force in submitochondrial particles.

The rates of electron transport and of ATP synthesis have been measured in bovine heart Mg-ATP submitochondrial particles oxidising succinate under conditions of partial attenuation of the proton-motive force by malonate or FCCP. This paper reports evidence that the relationship between the rate of ATP synthesis and the magnitude of the proton motive force is independent of the mode by which the decrease of the proton motive force is achieved.