| Proton export mediated by the ATP synthase is driven by the pH across the membrane. |
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| In the liposomes, the substrate site of the ATP synthase is exposed to the outside, but in bacteria it faces the cytoplasm. |
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| In contrast to the electron transport chains, which are made up of several enzyme complexes, the ATP synthase represents a single protein complex that can be isolated from the membrane. |
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| The energy stored in a membrane's electrochemical proton potential is converted to ATP when protons pass from one membrane face to the other through the ATP synthase complex. |
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| To operate, it requires an inner membrane system that is impermeable to protons, except through ATP synthase or other complexes in a regulated fashion. |
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