Generation of Rotation
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One way to envision ATP synthase, is to think of it as a electric motor machine that uses electric potential to rotate. This rotation originates from the structure called the c-ring. As a proton passes through ATP synthase from a place of higher potential to lower it causes the structure to rotate. It is believed that the proton gradient along side sending protons down the structure creates an electric field that also drives the torque moment causing the rotation. The electric field comes from the part of ATP synthase call the half-channel. Here the charge imbalance creates a dipole moment between the channel and the c-ring. If the electric field is not strong enough a the net torque will not be strong enough to rotate the c-ring (the green portion in the diagram to the right).
The definition of torque is a twisting moment that causes rotation. |
Structure of ATP synthase
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This image here is an example of the theorized electric field causing the torque needed to rotate ATP synthase |
Daisy Herrman | Physics 212 | Spring 2019 | Web Project | April 12, 2019