Question

6. Role of "proton motive force" in ATP synthesis​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Phosphorylation

The PMF is the driving force for ATP synthesis by the mechanoenzyme complex V, or F1Fo ATPase. When protons flow through a channel in the enzyme, the movement spins the protein, much like wind drives a turbine. The mechanical movement of this rotor provides the energy to add an inorganic phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to form ATP. Like most enzymes, but unlike most ATPases, this enzyme can run backward within the cell; ATP hydrolysis can be the driving force to cause the enzyme to eject protons out of the mitochondria. This capacity enables depolarized mitochondria to regenerate their PMF. ATP synthesis by this enzyme is possible only when both substrates (phosphate and ADP) are available and the mitochondria possess sufficient PMF to drive the reaction.