A force, analogous to the electromotive force, which acts on the proton gradient between the two sides of a cell membrane and is equal to the sum of the electric potential difference and the pH gradient through the membrane.
Origin
1960s.
Definition of protonmotive force in US English:
protonmotive force
noun
Biochemistry Physics
A force, analogous to the electromotive force, which acts on the proton gradient between the two sides of a cell membrane and is equal to the sum of the electric potential difference and the pH gradient through the membrane.