What are the differences between ATPase and ATP synthase?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

ATPase

ATP synthase

Definition

ATPase is the enzyme which breaks down ATP molecules

ATP synthase is the enzyme that involves ATP production

Reaction

ATPase catalyzes the ATP to ADP reaction (energetically favorable)

ATP synthase catalyzes the ADP to ATP reaction ( energetically unfavorable)

Motor rotor mechanism

ATPase does not exhibit the motor rotor mechanism of ATP breakdown

ATP synthase shows the motor rotor mechanism of ATP production

Free phosphate ion

ATPase generates free phosphate ions

ATP synthase consumes free phosphate ion to generate ATP

Reaction type

ATPase is involved in exothermic reactions

ATP synthase is involved in endothermic reactions

Location

Occurs coupled with carrier proteins anchored in biological membranes

Located in the inner membrane of mitochondria

Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation

Undergoes dephosphorylation

Undergoes phosphorylation

Use of ATP

Releases energy from ATP

Stores energy in ATP

Mechanism

Is involved in the primary active transport of molecules

Undergoes oxidative phosphorylation

Basis of differentiation	ATPase	ATP synthase
Definition	ATPase is the enzyme which breaks down ATP molecules	ATP synthase is the enzyme that involves ATP production
Reaction	ATPase catalyzes the ATP to ADP reaction (energetically favorable)	ATP synthase catalyzes the ADP to ATP reaction ( energetically unfavorable)
Motor rotor mechanism	ATPase does not exhibit the motor rotor mechanism of ATP breakdown	ATP synthase shows the motor rotor mechanism of ATP production
Free phosphate ion	ATPase generates free phosphate ions	ATP synthase consumes free phosphate ion to generate ATP
Reaction type	ATPase is involved in exothermic reactions	ATP synthase is involved in endothermic reactions
Location	Occurs coupled with carrier proteins anchored in biological membranes	Located in the inner membrane of mitochondria
Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation	Undergoes dephosphorylation	Undergoes phosphorylation
Use of ATP	Releases energy from ATP	Stores energy in ATP
Mechanism	Is involved in the primary active transport of molecules	Undergoes oxidative phosphorylation