"Unlocking Cellular Energy: A Practical Guide to ATP in Biology"

ATP synthase is a large enzyme found in the membranes of mitochondria, chloroplasts, and many bacteria. Its job is to make ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy-carrying molecule used by cells. It works a bit like a molecular turbine. Protons (H⁺ ions) flow through part of the enzyme, driven by a concentration gradient across the membrane. This flow of protons causes part of ATP synthase to spin, and that spinning motion drives the joining of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inor