Question

A new organism has just been discovered. This new organism has only 4 subunits in the C-ring of complex V. How would this reduction in C-ring subunits affect the efficiency of ATP generation?

Answer 1

The c ring sub unit is rotated by the a sub unit. This c sub unit is essential for the transport of hydrogen ion from one region to another across the membrane. The c subunit is a tramsmembrane sub unit. This transport of hydrogen ion provides the energy to the ATP synthase for the synthesis of ATP.

If the new organism has only 4 subunit that is different from the wild type sub unit. In this case, the c sub unit does not transport hydrogen ion in efficient manner as done by the wild type form. That's why less hydrogen ion is transported across the membrane. This leads to decrease the efficiency of ATP synthesis by ATP synthase complex.

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