Atp synthase

ATP synthase is an important enzyme that creates the energy storage molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the most commonly used "energy currency" of cells for most organisms. It is formed from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi), and needs energy.

Structure

ATP synthase is a complex, molecular machine that is composed of two main parts: the F₁ particle, and the F₀ particle. The F₁ particle is the catalytic core and is composed of five different subunits. The F₀ particle is a membrane-embedded proton channel that is composed of at least three different subunits.

Function

The primary function of ATP synthase is to couple ATP synthesis with proton transport across a membrane. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation when it occurs in the mitochondria, and photophosphorylation when it occurs in the chloroplasts.

Mechanism

The mechanism of ATP synthase is known as the binding change mechanism, or the rotational catalysis mechanism. This mechanism involves the rotation of the gamma subunit, which induces conformational changes in the beta subunit that enable the synthesis of ATP.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the genes encoding ATP synthase can lead to a variety of human diseases, including mitochondrial diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.

See also

• Mitochondria
• Chloroplast
• Oxidative phosphorylation
• Photophosphorylation