Rotor subunits adaptations in ATP synthases from photosynthetic organisms

Driven by transmembrane electrochemical ion gradients, F-type ATP synthases are the primary source of the universal energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), throughout all domains of life. The ATP synthase found in the thylakoid membranes of photosynthetic organisms has some unique features not present in other bacterial or mitochondrial systems. Among these is a larger-than-average transmembrane rotor ring and a redox-regulated switch capable of inhibiting ATP hydrolysis activity in the dark by uniquely adapted rotor subunit modifications. Here, we review recent insights into the structure and mechanism of ATP synthases specifically involved in photosynthesis and explore the cellular physiological consequences of these adaptations at short and long time scales.