VCAC: Cellular Processes: ATP Synthase: First Look

The following images attempt to illustrate how ATP synthase produces ATP and emphasize the key steps in this process. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.

To see the Flash movie for the following sequence of images, click here.

	A key site of ATP synthesis is the mitochondria.
	Here we see ATP synthase, along with other complexes, embedded in the inner membrane of the mitochondria.
	Notice the proton gradient formed by the high concentration of hydrogen ions above the inner membrane and the lower concentration below the membrane.
	ADP and Pi are now visible. These molecules are the substrates for ATP synthesis.
	A hydrogen ion, or proton, enters the ATP synthase complex.
	The upper part of the ATP synthase complex rotates as each new proton enters the complex.
	After the upper portion of the complex has rotated three times, ADP and Pi are combined by the lower portion of the complex to form ATP.

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