What is "f-atpase"

F-ATPase, also known as F-Type ATPase (also called ATP synthase), is an ATPase found in bacterial plasma membranes, in mitochondrial inner membranes (in oxidative phosphorylation, where it is known as Complex V), and in chloroplast thylakoid membranes. It uses a proton gradient to drive ATP synthesis by allowing the passive flux of protons across the membrane down their electrochemical gradient and using the energy released by the transport reaction to release newly formed ATP from the active site of F-ATPase. In some bacteria, sodium ions may be used instead.

F-ATPase consists of two domains:

• the F domain, which is integral in the membrane
• the F, which is peripheral (on the side of the membrane that the protons are moving into).