Energy transduction in Escherichia coli: new mutation affecting the Fo portion of the ATP synthetase complex

A mutation affecting the intrinsic membrane portion (BFo) of the ATP synthetase complex is described. The phenotype is different from previously reported BFo mutants. This mutation results in the ability of membranes lacking the extrinsic membrane portion (BF1) of the ATP synthetase complex to maintain a transmembrane pH gradient. Unlike other BFo mutants, this strain, NR71, is capable of utilizing ATP hydrolysis for the formation of a transmembrane pH gradient.