THE COUPLING OF THE RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF THE A-SUBUNITS AND C-SUBUNITS OF THE F-0 TO THE CONFORMATIONAL-CHANGES IN THE F1-ATPASE

F0F1-ATPase structural information gained from X-ray crystallography a nd electron microscopy has activated interest in a rotational mechanis m for the F0F1-ATPase. Because of the subunit stoichiometry and the in volvement of both the a- and c-subunits in the mechanism of proton mov ement, it is argued that relative movement must occur between the subu nits. Various options for the arrangement and structure of the subunit s involved are discussed and a mechanism proposed.