Molecule of the Week ATP Synthase
...a nanoscale machine ● Two molecular motors / generators ● Enzyme ● Ion pump Function: Synthesize ATP / Create proton gradient
ATP – Adenosine triphosphate ● Cellular energy „currency“ ● DNA replication / transcription ● Cell signalling
ADP + P i → ATP
ATP – Production ● Photosynthesis
ATP – Production ● Photosynthesis ● Aerobic respiration
ATP – Production ● Photosynthesis ● Aerobic respiration ● Anaerobic respiration
Structure determination of F1 ● “Structure at 2.8 Å resolution of F1-ATPase from bovine heart mitochondria”, Abrahams, Leslie, Lutter and Walker, Nature Vol. 370, 1994 ● Boyer and Walker shared half of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Molecular structure Cell membrane Inside cell organelle Diameter: 9 nm
FO part
Ion motor
F1 part
Binding change / „Flip-flop“ mechanism
F1 part Binding change / „Flip-flop“ mechanism
Questions ?