What are the differences between ATPase and ATP synthase?
Posted March 30, 2023
Basis of differentiation |
ATPase |
ATP synthase |
Definition |
ATPase is the enzyme which breaks down ATP molecules |
ATP synthase is the enzyme that involves ATP production |
Reaction |
ATPase catalyzes the ATP to ADP reaction (energetically favorable) |
ATP synthase catalyzes the ADP to ATP reaction ( energetically unfavorable) |
Motor rotor mechanism |
ATPase does not exhibit the motor rotor mechanism of ATP breakdown |
ATP synthase shows the motor rotor mechanism of ATP production |
Free phosphate ion |
ATPase generates free phosphate ions |
ATP synthase consumes free phosphate ion to generate ATP |
Reaction type |
ATPase is involved in exothermic reactions |
ATP synthase is involved in endothermic reactions |
Location |
Occurs coupled with carrier proteins anchored in biological membranes |
Located in the inner membrane of mitochondria |
Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation |
Undergoes dephosphorylation |
Undergoes phosphorylation |
Use of ATP |
Releases energy from ATP |
Stores energy in ATP |
Mechanism |
Is involved in the primary active transport of molecules |
Undergoes oxidative phosphorylation |