10 Difference Between ATPase and ATP Synthase (With Table)

An enzyme is a substance produced by organisms to act as a catalyst that brings out a biochemical reaction. These substances are protein in nature and help to speed up the rate of chemical reaction that supports life.

Both ATPase and ATP synthase are enzymes. But ATP is a complex organic molecule that plays a vital role during biological reactions. It is also a molecular unit currency of intracellular energy transfer.

So, what is the main difference between ATPase and ATP synthase? The former is an enzyme that breakdown ATP into ADP and free the phosphate group while the latter is an enzyme that synthesizes ATP by combining ATP and a free phosphate group.

ATPase also catalyzes a dephosphorylation reaction to release energy and ATP synthase catalyzes a phosphorylation reaction to store energy. These two enzymes play opposite functions. Telling the difference between these enzymes can be confusing.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the differences between ATPase and ATP synthase using a comparison table. We have also listed similarities between ATPase and ATP synthase for a deeper understanding.

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Comparison Table (ATPase vs ATP Synthase)

Basic Terms	ATPase	ATP Synthase
Description	An enzyme that breakdown ATP to release ADP and a free phosphate group.	An enzyme that helps in the production of ATP through a combination of ADP and a free phosphate group.
Type of Enzymes	ATPases, P-ATPases, E-ATPases, and AAA proteins	F-ATPase
Function	Break ATP into ADP and a phosphate group.	Help in the synthesis of ATP.
Type of Reaction	Dephosphorylation	Phosphorylation
Occurrence	Occurs coupled with carrier proteins anchored to the biological membranes.	The inner membrane of mitochondria.
Role	Play a crucial role during the primary active transport of molecules.	Undergoes oxidative phosphorylation.
Energy Metabolism	Releases energy from ATP	Store energy in ATP
Motor Rotor Mechanism	Does not show the mechanism.	Shows the mechanism during the production of ATP.
Free Phosphate ion	Generate free phosphate ion	Consume free phosphate ion into ATP production
Chemical Reaction Type	Exothermic reaction	Endothermic reaction

What Is an ATPase?

It is a type of enzyme that decomposes ATP molecules and a free phosphate group in a process known as dephosphorylation. The reaction helps in the release of ATP energy which fosters another biochemical reaction.

Keep in mind that ATPase is coupled with integrated membrane proteins. These molecules move across the membrane through primary active transport.

The carrier also helps to import important metabolites for cell metabolism and export wastes from the cell. Some of the important carriers responsible for maintaining the cell membrane are sodium and potassium ion.

The reaction occurs when two sodium ions are transported out of the cell and the other two potassium ions transported into the cell according to hydrolyzed ATP molecule.

What Is ATP Synthase?

An ATP synthase is a type of enzyme responsible for ATP synthesis. It also helps in the storage of energy in the cell.

According to research, ATP synthesis occurs during cellular transpiration via an electrochemical gradient generated by the oxidative phosphorylation process.

ATP synthase is located in the inner membrane of mitochondria. ATP synthesis occurs alongside photosynthesis during the light stage reaction.

ATP synthesis takes place by proton gradient produced across the thylakoid membrane. An example of ATP synthase that occurs in mitochondria, chloroplast, and bacterial plasma membrane is F-ATPase.

Research shows that F-ATPase contains FO and F1 subunits. These are rotational rotor mechanisms that allow ATP synthesis. F-ATPase is a type of rotary ATPase.

Main Difference between ATPase and ATP Synthase

ATPase breakdown ATP molecules. ATP Synthase fosters ATP synthesis.
ATPase is an exothermic reaction. ATP Synthase is an endothermic reaction.
ATPase undergoes dephosphorylation. ATP Synthase undergoes phosphorylation.
ATPase participates in the primary active transport of molecules. ATP Synthase undergoes oxidative phosphorylation.
ATPase releases energy from ATP. ATP Synthase stores energy in ATP.

Similarities between ATPase and ATP Synthase

Both are types of enzymes.
Both take place in the metabolism of ATP.
Both transform cellular energy between different biochemical reactions.
Both are integral membrane proteins anchored within biological membranes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ATPase Make ATP?

Not really. It only helps to leverage the energy released from hydrolysis to either phosphorylate a molecule or change the conformation of ATPase. It transports solute against the concentration gradient.

What ATP Does ATP Synthase Produce?

It is responsible for powering the synthesis of energy carrier molecule ATP. It occurs when the concentration gradient of protons that another protein complex.

What Would Happen If ATP Synthase Stopped?

It stops the movement of protons back into mitochondria. It will inhibit respiratory control in the long run. It happens since the information becomes impossible to understand the link between metabolism and energy usage.

Can We Survive without ATP?

Death. The cells lack the energy to carry out metabolism. Excessive buildup of wastes in the body will become toxic and cause death among living organisms.

How Can I Increase ATP Naturally?

It can be done through increase intake of fatty acids and proteins from lean meat like chicken or turkey. But it increases the risk of weight gain.

In Conclusion

The main difference between ATPase and ATP Synthase is that ATPase is an enzyme responsible for the dephosphorylation of ATP into ADP and a phosphate group whereas ATP Synthase is an enzyme responsible for ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.

Understanding the functions and similarities between these enzymes is crucial. The information will help you differentiate between ATPase and ATP Synthase with ease. We hope this information was helpful.

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