AsclepioATP synthase (real molecule) in 3D
It's an enzyme of the inner mitochondrial membrane with two parts: FO, embedded in the membrane, and F1, which sticks out into the matrix. Protons (H⁺)…
Explained for every age
For kids (7–11)
ATP synthase is a tiny machine found in the mitochondria. It has a shaft that spins like the one in a pinwheel, and as it spins it makes ATP, the “batteries” your cells use to store energy. This is the part that makes ATP, atom by atom; it comes from a cow's heart, but it looks a lot like yours.
For teens (12–16)
It's an enzyme of the inner mitochondrial membrane with two parts: FO, embedded in the membrane, and F1, which sticks out into the matrix. Protons (H⁺) built up by the electron transport chain pass through FO and make it spin; the spinning is transmitted to a shaft, the γ subunit, which rotates inside a ring of three α and three β subunits arranged like orange segments. Each 120° turn changes the shape of the β subunits, which bind ADP and phosphate and make ATP. What you see is the F1 part of the enzyme from cow heart (PDB 1BMF); its genes are very similar to human ones.
Pre-Med (17+)
F-ATPase (complex V): FO (c-ring, subunit a, two b) forms the proton channel and F1 (α₃β₃γδε) contains the catalytic sites. Overall reaction: ADP + Pi + 2H⁺(out) ⇌ ATP + H₂O + 2H⁺(in). H⁺ flow down the electrochemical gradient spins the c-ring and the central stalk (γ), while a peripheral stalk keeps α₃β₃ from rotating with it. Binding change mechanism (Boyer): each β site cycles through the loose (binds ADP + Pi), tight (forms ATP and holds it with high affinity) and open (releases it) states. 1BMF is F1 from bovine heart mitochondria at 2.85 Å, from John Walker's group (Abrahams et al., 1994); that group's crystal structure of F1 essentially confirmed the rotary model, and Boyer and Walker shared half of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The enzyme is reversible: with enough ATP it can hydrolyze it and pump protons.
What you can explore
Alpha subunitsBeta subunitsGamma subunit (central stalk)ATP, ADP and magnesium
Missions
- The spinning machine Explorer
- A 120-degree motor Discoverer
- Rotary catalysis in 1BMF Pre-Med