Electric field of ATP synthase suggests enzyme has functions beyond catalysis
Study links energy-making enzyme with proton migration in ATP formation, and reinforces predictions that its catalytic efficiency is around 90%
Theoretical research examining the electric field within the energy-making enzyme ATP synthase alludes to it having a much higher enzymatic efficiency than reported in textbooks. Calculations of the enzyme’s molecular electrostatic potential showed changes in the electric field that constructively assist with proton movement alongside ATP formation, showing that the enzyme works over and above its biological catalytic function.