Biogenesis and Supramolecular Organization of the Oxidative Phosphorylation System in Plants

Abstract

Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the major process to generate ATP in most eukaryotes. The site of this process is the mitochondrion. Structural basis for OXPHOS is the presence of five large multi-subunit complexes within the inner mitochondrial membrane (termed complexes I–V), the soluble intermembrane space-localized protein cytochrome c and the lipid ubiquinone, all together also referred to as the “OXPHOS system.” In plants, additional so-called “alternative” components are part of this system. The OXPHOS system is formed by more than 100 different proteins as well as numerous prosthetic groups like FeS clusters, heme groups, and copper ions. Here, we summarize recent insights into the assembly of the OXPHOS system. Furthermore, findings on its supramolecular organization are summarized and discussed.