1. Molecule of the Week ATP Synthase

2. ...a nanoscale machine ● Two molecular motors / generators ● Enzyme ● Ion pump Function: Synthesize ATP / Create proton gradient

3. ATP – Adenosine triphosphate ● Cellular energy „currency“ ● DNA replication / transcription ● Cell signalling

4. ADP + P i → ATP

5. ATP – Production ● Photosynthesis

6. ATP – Production ● Photosynthesis ● Aerobic respiration

7. ATP – Production ● Photosynthesis ● Aerobic respiration ● Anaerobic respiration

8. 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

9. Molecular structure Cell membrane Inside cell organelle Diameter: 9 nm

10. FO part

11. Ion motor

12. F1 part

15. Binding change / „Flip-flop“ mechanism

16. F1 part Binding change / „Flip-flop“ mechanism

17. Questions ?