Molecular genetics of F1-ATPase from Escherichia coli

We have reviewed recent molecular biological studies on F1-ATPase of Escherichia coli and emphasized the advantages of using the bacterium in studies on this important enzyme. All subunits had homologies of varied degrees with those from other organisms. Mutations of F1 subunits caused defects in catalysis and assembly. Defects of the mutant enzymes were studied extensively together with the determination of the amino acid substitutions. Extensive molecular biological studies may help greatly in understanding the normal mechanism and assembly of the complex.