ATP synthase, also called F1Fo-ATPase, catalyzes the synthesis of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation. The enzyme is reversible and is able to use ATP to drive a proton gradient for transport purposes. Our work has focused on the enzyme from Escherichia coli (ECF1Fo). We have used a combination of methods to study this enzyme, including electron microscopy and chemical cross-linking.

The utility of these two approaches in particular, and the important insights they give into the structure and mechanism of the ATP synthase, are reviewed.

Keywords:
F1Fo-type ATPase,, ATP synthase,, electron microscopy, cross-linking, rotation
© 2000 by Company of Biologists
2000
You do not currently have access to this content.