ATP SYNTHASE Meaning and
Definition
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ATP synthase is a complex enzyme found in living organisms, primarily in cellular structures called mitochondria and chloroplasts. It plays a crucial role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy carrier molecule in cells.
The dictionary definition of ATP synthase describes it as a molecular machine that functions as a transmembrane protein complex. It is composed of two main components: a hydrophilic enzyme complex called F1, which is located on the inner mitochondrial or thylakoid membrane, and a proton-transporting component called Fo, embedded in the membrane.
The ATP synthase utilizes the energy generated by a proton gradient across the membrane to synthesize ATP from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi), a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. As protons flow through the Fo component, their movement drives the rotation of a cylindrical rotor subunit. The rotation in turn transmits the energy to the F1 component, which catalyzes the synthesis of ATP.
The dictionary definition also highlights that ATP synthase is responsible for maintaining the energy balance within cells by converting the potential energy stored in the proton gradient into the chemical energy stored in ATP molecules. This ATP can then be utilized by various cellular processes to provide the necessary energy for functions such as muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across membranes, and the synthesis of macromolecules.
Common Misspellings for ATP SYNTHASE
- adhp synthase
- ztp synthase
- stp synthase
- wtp synthase
- qtp synthase
- arp synthase
- afp synthase
- agp synthase
- ayp synthase
- a6p synthase
- a5p synthase
- ato synthase
- atl synthase
- at0 synthase
- atp aynthase
- atp zynthase
- atp xynthase
- atp dynthase
- atp eynthase
- atp wynthase
Etymology of ATP SYNTHASE
The word "ATP synthase" can be broken down into two parts: "ATP" and "synthase".
The term "ATP" stands for adenosine triphosphate, which is a molecule commonly referred to as the "energy currency" of the cell. It is involved in transferring energy within cells for various metabolic processes. The acronym "ATP" was originally derived from the initial letters of its components: adenosine, a nucleotide base called triphosphate, and a bending of nucleotide into ribose sugar structure.
The term "synthase" comes from the Greek word "sync", meaning "together", and the suffix "-ase", which denotes an enzyme. Therefore, "synthase" refers to an enzyme that synthesizes or generates a substance.
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