SOVEREIGN · INQ·12
M8 · The Relief Ladder
The cell answers mitochondrial overload with a graded rheostat of escalating pressure-relief valves — not a single switch.
RUNG 1 TRADE-OFF · nudge the leak:
ROS ▼0% · ATP ▼0%
a tiny ΔΨm sacrifice gates a huge ROS cut.
ΔΨm potential—
ROS (H₂O₂) flux—
ATP output—
Matrix Ca²⁺—
mPTP pore—
Cytochrome c—
▸ active rung—
ΔΨm
ROS
protons / UCP
ATP
Ca²⁺
cyt c / O₂
retrograde
electrons