Abstract
The free energy released upon the enzymatic hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main source of energy for the functioning of the living cell and all multicellular organisms. The overwhelming majority of ATP molecules are formed by proton ATP synthases, which are the smallest macro-molecular electric motors in Nature. This paper reviews the modern concepts of the molecular structure and functioning of the proton ATP synthase, and real-time biophysical experiments on the rotation of the 'rotor' of this macromolecular motor. Some mathematical models describing the operation of this nanosized macromolecular machine are described.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 893-914 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Physics-Uspekhi |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy