ATP Synthase
The membrane unit Fo converts the transmembrane electrochemical potential into mechanical energy that drives the central stalk rotation inside the solvent-exposed F1 unit. The rotation causes cyclic conformational changes in the F1 unit catalytic sites, which drive ATP synthesis (the "binding change" mechanism). ATP synthase can also operate in the reverse direction, utilizing the energy released in the process of ATP hydrolysis to pump protons across the membrane. Several studies of this system are underway:
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