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