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"ATP SYNTHASE is a huge molecular complex (>500,000 daltons) embedded in the inner membrane of mitochondria. Its function is to convert the energy of protons (H+) moving down their concentration gradient into the synthesis of ATP." https://lnkd.in/e5CY-iH View in LinkedIn

GENETIC ASSEMBLY of ATP synthase is a complex process. Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles of bacterial lineage, and making ATP synthase involves genes from the host nucleus as well as from the mitochondria to construct the final multi-unit enzyme, and along the way, dissembling a separate large enzymatic controlling complex. https://lnkd.in/enq72FS View in LinkedIn

"Either up to 26 independent origins or 17 horizontal gene transfer events" for the evolution of ATP synthase in different life forms. A lovely genetic analysis. https://lnkd.in/eccU8S3 View in LinkedIn

ANCIENT BACTERIA SHARE ATP SYNTHASE with other life forms. "Most bioenergetic pathways have a similar general structure, with an electron transport chain composed of protein complexes acting as electron donors and acceptors, as well as a central cytochrome complex, mobile electron carriers, and an ATP synthase." https://lnkd.in/eccU8S3 View in LinkedIn

HIGHLY CONSERVED. "The ATP synthase enzymes have been remarkably conserved through evolution. The bacterial enzymes are essentially the same in structure and function as those from mitochondria of animals, plants and fungi, and the chloroplasts of plants." https://lnkd.in/eGC7rMN View in LinkedIn

MOLECULAR ANIMATION of ATP synthase. This exquisite molecular complex with many moving parts is one of nature's most important molecular machines, for it makes the energy molecule ATP, without which, life as we know it would not exist. https://lnkd.in/eggSdtN View in LinkedIn

ATP is "continuously recycled in organisms: the human body, which on average contains only 250 grams (8.8 oz) of ATP, turns over its own body weight equivalent in ATP each day." https://lnkd.in/eStagA3 View in LinkedIn

THE CORE MACHINERY. "When a strong opposing torque is imposed, the gamma shaft rotates in the opposite direction and drives the F1-motor to synthesize ATP." https://lnkd.in/eYcwEF7 View in LinkedIn

MOLECULAR CURRENCY. "Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a nucleoside triphosphate used in cells as a coenzyme often called the "molecular unit of currency" of intracellular energy transfer. Metabolic processes that use ATP as an energy source convert it back into its precursors." https://lnkd.in/eStagA3 View in LinkedIn

THE CORE MACHINERY "is the subcomplex F1-motor (F1-ATPase) and performs the reversible mechanochemical coupling. The isolated F1-motor hydrolyzes ATP, which is accompanied by unidirectional rotation of its central gamma shaft." https://lnkd.in/eYcwEF7 View in LinkedIn