ATPsyntaasikompleksi

ATP synthase is a large protein complex found in the inner mitochondrial membrane and bacterial plasma membrane. It is responsible for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. The complex consists of two main parts: the F0 subunit, which is embedded in the membrane and forms a channel, and the F1 subunit, which protrudes into the matrix or cytoplasm. The F0 subunit contains a proton channel, while the F1 subunit contains the catalytic site for ATP synthesis. The complex works by using the energy from a proton gradient across the membrane to drive the synthesis of ATP from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). The process is reversible, allowing the complex to also function as an ATPase, hydrolyzing ATP to ADP and Pi and generating a proton gradient. ATP synthase plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy production, and its dysfunction is associated with various diseases, including mitochondrial disorders and certain types of cancer.