Question

How does proton flow through the FO/CFO portion of the ATP synthase complex contribute to ATP synthesis in the F1/CF1 portion of the complex? What role does the amino acid asparatate play in this process?

Answer 1

Since, the dephosphorylation of ATP creates energy that is utilized in various biochemical reactions. ATP synthase helps in the formation of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. ATP synthase are present on the inner membrane of the mitochondria and thylakoid membrane of chloroplast.

Here generation of ATP takes place by the rotation of the components of ATP synthase when proton gradients flow through it and this rotational energy is then coupled to ATP synthesis. Fo region of ATP synthesis is composed of a single a-subunit and 10-14 c-subunit that are arranged in the form of a ring. When the protons move across the channel, the gamma-epsilon central stalk starts to rotate because of the rotation of c-ring. This rotation of the stalk helps in the synthesis of ATP in the alpha-beta hexamer. After completion of one complete rotation of c-ring, 3 molecules of ATP are produced.

C-ring contains an important amino acid- Aspartate and and this amino acid facilitate protonation and deprotonation that help in rotation of c-ring.