Light, time and micro-organisms

The F1 ATPase model of Junge


Rotation of the Fo-ATPase.

Fo-ATPase as a proton-driven, rotary stepping motor, as proposed by Junge (1997).

The inner ring, with twelve proton or hydrogen atom binding sites, is coupled mechanically to F1-g. The sense of rotation of the inner ring of Fo, viewed from the top, is anticlockwise during ATP synthesis (as shown), when protons move inwards, down the gradient of electrochemical potential. If Fo remains coupled to F1-g during ATP hydrolysis, outward proton translocation will be driven by clockwise rotation of the inner ring. Drawing after Junge (1997).

The Fo-ATPase model of Wolfgang Junge - an animation of the rotary engine to drive F1

F1 as a colour graphic

F1 viewed interactively