Cell Language Theory, The: Connecting Mind And Matter

162 The Cell Language Theory: Connecting Mind and Matter

b2861 The Cell Language Theory: Connecting Mind and Matter “6x9”

(ATP Synthesis) (3.55)

(Respiration)(Conformons)

(Proton Gradient) (3.56)

The upper branch of the above scheme is the molecular mechanism of

oxidative phosphorylation suggested by the conformon hypothesis, which

differs from the chemiosmotic hypothesis since it in effect replaces con-

formons in Schemes (3.54) and (3.55) with proton gradients or proton

motive force (see Figure 3.34).

3.4.7 The Conformon Model of Mechanical Force Generation

from Chemical Reactions

In Section 3.3.2, it was assumed that a part of the free energy released from

the oxidation of NADH was stored in the enzyme system, ETC, that cata-

lyzes the redox reaction. One plausible mechanism that can accomplish this

chemical-to-mechanical energy conversion was examined in Figure 3.30(a).

Since the chemical-to-mechanical energy conversion is synonymous with

the chemical reaction-induced force generation, because force and energy

(or work) are related through the Second Law of Newtonian mechanics as

already explained, it may be concluded that

Without energy no force can be generated; without force no energy can

be stored. (3.57)

For convenience, we may refer to Statement (3.57) as the molecular-

ized Second Law of Newtonian mechanics (MSLNM), in analogy to the

molecularized Second Law of Thermodynamics (MSLT) formulated by

McClare [227].

Since the key theoretical principle underlying the chemical-to-

mechanical energy conversion mechanism described below is the GFCP

[12], the mechanism shown in Figure 3.30 will be referred to as the

GFCP-based mechanism of conformon production, in which the follow-

ing three steps are essential:

b2861_Ch-03.indd 162 17-10-2017 11:47:00 AM