Definition for ATP synthase

From Biology Forums Dictionary

» Redirected from ATPase

1) An enzyme that uses the energy stored in an H+ electrochemical gradient for the synthesis of ATP via chemiosmosis.

2) The inner mitochondrial membrane enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of ADP and inorganic phosphate to ATP utilizing the transmembrane pH gradient generated by the electron transfers of oxidative phosphorylation. The synthase is a complex, multisubunit enzyme whose subunits are grouped in an F1 complex protruding into the mitochondrial matrix, responsible for ATP synthesis, and a proton-conducting, membranous Fo complex. Thus, ATP synthase is sometimes referred to as FoF1-ATPase. Other subunits are incorporated at the stalk connecting the Fo and F1 complexes, one of which is responsible for oligomycin sensitivity.