Role of metal ions in coupling between chemical catalysis and conformational changes in ATP synthase

Isolated chloroplast ATP synthase (CF0F1) was used for determination of the structure-function relation by measuring the effect of divalent metal ions on the properties of ATPase. Mg2+ ions were more efficient catalysts than Ca2+ ions as indicated by Kcat/Km of 55.2 and 5.4, respectively. Other activity parameters related to binding, such as the Km of MATP and Ki of MADP, indicated a stronger binding in the presence of Mg2+ as seen from a Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of 2.8 and 3.8, respectively. Strong binding of Ca2+ ions with a Kd of 0.03 +/- 00.6 microM-1 was detected only in the presence of ADP probably because of the positive interactive effect of CaADP as indicated in the inhibition properties. Mg2+ ions were more efficient catalysts also in other forms of the enzyme such as in the thylakoid membrane, in isolated CF0F1 and in CF1. The Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of Kcat/Km was 5.3, 10.2 and 1.5 for the thylakoid membrane enzyme, the isolated CF0F1 and the soluble CF1 respectively. This indicated that Ca2+ ions became less efficient catalysts in the more intact and integrated enzyme while Mg2+ ions were as efficient in all forms of the enzyme. Unlike Mg2+, Ca2+ ions also did not support proton-coupled ATP synthesis and ATP driven proton pumping. It is suggested that the differences in the ligand structure of these two ions might be the reason for the differential function. An average 0.3 A shorter bond length of octahedral first coordination in Ca2+ ions caused a weaker binding of CaATP than that of MgATP. The effect of differential binding is discussed in relation to the binding of the transition state intermediate and to the rate of product release.