Page 164 - The Miracle of Protein

162 THE MIRACLE OF PROTEIN

An excellent motor: V-ATPase
One of the most important factors affect the acid-base lev-

el are the protons in the environment (H hydrogen ion). The
+
number of H must be increased to raise the acidity of the en-
+
vironment. V-ATPase enzymes are charged with this duty, and
work like a perpetual circulation motor on an atomic level. The
V-ATPase consists of mechanic parts.
V-ATPase enzyme, a motor with fascinating features, is
73
made up two main sections and 14 different parts. All pumps
need energy to work and these enzyme motors use the energy
stored in the molecule named ATP. What fuel is for cars, ATP
is for organic molecules. With the use of the energy in ATP, the
moving parts of the ATPase motor rotates, and this motion
moves the bottom part shaped like a cogwheel. This rotation

+
pumps protons (H ) into the region of the membrane where
they are needed. Thus, the pH of the environment is ensured.

V-ATPaz carries the H+ ions
outside the membrane, which
will be used for ATP molecule
production.