The vanadate-sensitive ATPase of Streptococcus faecalis pumps potassium in a reconstituted system

The vanadate-sensitive ATPase of Streptococcus faecalis, purified to homogeneity, was reconstituted into soybean phospholipid vesicles in a functional state. Freeze-fracture electron micrographs revealed a relatively uniform population of unilamellar liposomes of 50-100 nm in diameter, with particles protruding from both fracture faces. Transport studies with 42K+ and with a K+-selective electrode showed that the ATP-ase catalyzes electrogenic potassium extrusion in proteoliposomes. The following parameters for potassium transport in the reconstituted system were determined: K+/ATP stoichiometry = 1, Km for potassium = 1.4 mM, Vmax = 0.1 mumol/min/mg. The ATPase could be activated by an electrical membrane potential, vesicle interior positive. This ATPase thus appears to function as a potential regulated, ATP-driven pump that serves in electrogenic potassium accumulation by the bacterial cell.