Why are such decisions necessary? In Chapter 2 we discussed the sheer power of the proton-motive force. The mitochondrial inner membrane has an electrical potential of about 150–200 millivolts. As the membrane is just 5 nanometres thick, we noted that this translates into a field strength of 30 million volts per metre, equal to a bolt of lightning. Woe betide you if you lose control over such an electrical charge!
I still remember having to scrape my brains off the nearby airplane seats when I first read this.
