Scientists Discover Complete Respiratory Supercomplex in Surprising Study
Originally Published 2 years ago — by SciTechDaily
Scientists have identified a complete respiratory supercomplex in mitochondria, responsible for generating ATP, the all-purpose energy molecule. The supercomplex is made up of four membrane protein complexes, labeled as complex I, II, III, and IV, which create an energy gradient harnessed by complex V to synthesize ATP. Researchers have discovered that complex II can also form part of a supercomplex, which optimizes the process for ATP formation. The structure of the supercomplex varies and is adapted to exist in curved membranes, providing insight into how nature adapts protein complexes to new environments to maintain function.