Interaction of benzoquinones with mitochondria interferes with oxidative phosphorylation characteristics

Abstract

Studies with four benzoquinones, viz. juglone, embelin, maesaquinone and maesanin, on rat liver mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation have been carried out. Three of the benzoquinones are uncouplers in the order juglone greater than maesoquinone greater than embelin, while maesanin is an inhibitor of electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation.