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*CIL – Cell Image Library accession number. Please use this to reference an image.

CIL:12431*  Cite 
Description

The F1F0 ATP synthase is a large protein complex that catalyzes the formation of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using a proton gradient as a source of energy. In eukaryotes, the F1F0 ATP synthase is found in the inner mitochondrial membrane of the mitochondria and the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts, and is the primary source of ATP in nearly all organisms. ATP synthase is a multisubunit complex composed of a membrane-embedded F0 portion and a catalytic F1 portion that protrudes above the membrane. The F1 portion is made up of a hexamer of alternating alpha and beta subunits arranged around a core gamma subunit. The F0 portion also consists of several different subunit types, named a, b and c. The c-subunit forms a ring which is in close contact with the gamma subunit of F1. As protons move through the F0 portion, the c-ring rotates, causing the rotation of the gamma subunit within the alpha/beta hexamer. This in turn causes the three nucleotide binding sites in F1 to cycle through different conformations, ultimately leading to the synthesis of ATP. Under the right conditions, ATP synthase can be made to run backwards. In this case, the enzyme will hydrolyze ATP in order to create a proton gradient, and the enzyme is called an ATPase rather than an ATP synthase. In this animation, the hydrolysis of ATP into ADP and inorganic phosphate is illustrated, focusing on the positions of side chains around the nucleotide binding site.

Biological Sources
Cellular Component
mitochondrial proton-transporting ATP synthase complex
Attribution
Names
Said Sannuga
Link
http://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/research/atp-syn...
OTHER
Medical Research Council, Mitochondrial Biology Unit
Citation
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
doi:10.7295/W9CIL12431
Archival Resource Key (ARK)
ark:/b7295/w9cil12431
Grouping This image is part of a group.
Imaging
Image Type
animation