ATP synthase subunit alpha, mitochondrial (ATP5F1A)

Mitochondrial membrane ATP synthase (F(1)F(0) ATP synthase or intricate V) produces ATP from ADP in the presence of a proton gradient across the membrane which is generated by electron transfer complexes of the respiratory chain. F-type ATPases consist of two structural domains, F(1) - containing the extramembraneous catalytic core, and F(0) - containing the membrane proton channel, linked together by a central stalk and a peripheral stalk.

During catalysis, ATP synthesis in the catalytic domain of F(1) is coupled by means of a rotary mechanism of the central stalk subunits to proton translocation. Rotation of the central stalk from the surrounding alpha(3)beta(3) subunits contributes to hydrolysis of ATP in three separate catalytic sites on the beta subunits.