Torque-induced slip of the rotary motor F1-ATPase.

Palanisami, Akilan; Okamoto, Tetsuaki · Nano Lett · 2010

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

F(1)-ATPase plays an essential role in cellular metabolism by linking rotational motion to ATP hydrolysis/synthesis. We measure the torque profile of F(1) in both ATP hydrolysis and synthesis directions using a novel magnetic nanorod assay. F(1) is found to decouple ATP synthesis from rotary motion at a surprisingly low torque. This low-torque slip mechanism protects the enzyme from excessive load and may play a broader biological role by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species.

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