Scientists have solved the structure of mitochondrial ATP synthase, an enzyme that makes ATP, adenosine triphosphate, the major energy source of cells.

SciLifeLab researchers Alexander Mühleip and Alexey Amunts from Stockholm University solved the structure of a mitochondrial ATP synthase with native lipids.

Found inside mitochondria, ATP synthase generates the energy storage molecule adenosine triphosphate, which the cells of all living things use for fuel. The enzyme generally looks similar in shape ...

The structure of the ATP synthase from ciliates revealed a dimer, which unlike in all the previously investigated complexes, the two membrane-embedded parts are not identical to each other.

Sharing a similar structure with ATP synthase suggests a common evolutionary ancestor. This synthase-like ATPase is challenging the origin of cells and proteins themselves.

Justin K. M. Roberts, Serge Aubert, Elisabeth Gout, Richard Bligny, Roland Douce, Cooperation and Competition between Adenylate Kinase, Nucleoside Diphosphokinase, Electron Transport, and ATP Synthase ...