Final answer:
ATP synthase is a complex molecular machine that produces ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) using a proton gradient. It involves the rotation of the F1 portion of ATP synthase, driven by the flow of protons through the FO portion of the enzyme. The mechanism leads to the formation of ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
ATP synthase is a complex molecular machine that produces ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) using a process called chemiosmosis. It uses a proton (H+) gradient across a membrane to power the synthesis of ATP. The flow of hydrogen ions through ATP synthase allows it to attach a third phosphate group to ADP, forming ATP.
The mechanism of ATP synthesis involves the rotation of the F1 portion of ATP synthase, driven by the flow of protons through the FO portion of the enzyme. As the protons flow through, it causes the rotation of a central rotor subunit, which in turn leads to conformational changes in the catalytic sites of ATP synthesis in the F1 portion. This conformational change results in the binding of ADP and inorganic phosphate and the subsequent formation of ATP.