They both are enzymes related to ATP. The difference lies in that ATPase breaks down ATP while ATP synthase synthesizes ATP.
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ATPase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy in the process. ATP synthase is an enzyme that uses the energy released from a proton gradient to catalyze the formation of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. In essence, ATPase breaks down ATP, while ATP synthase synthesizes ATP.
The process by which ADP is phosphorylated to form ATP is known as oxidative phosphorylation. This occurs in the mitochondria of cells and involves the electron transport chain and ATP synthase enzyme.
Factors including mitochondrial inefficiencies, leakages in the electron transport chain, and the use of ATP in cellular activities other than ATP synthesis can contribute to the difference between theoretical and actual yields of ATP in aerobic respiration. Additionally, experimental conditions and variations in substrate utilization can also impact the actual ATP yield.
The top part of ATP synthase uses the energy from the flow of hydrogen ions to rotate a rotor, which in turn causes conformational changes in the enzyme that drive the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This process is known as chemiosmosis and is a vital step in cellular respiration for producing energy in the form of ATP.
three H+ protons
The equation for reforming ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate is: ADP + Pi + energy → ATP. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme ATP synthase during cellular respiration.