Submitochondrial particle
Encyclopedia
A submitochondrial particle is a compartmentalized membranous product of exposing mitochondria to ultrasound. This causes the cristae to pinch off forcing the inner mitochondrial membrane inside out. As a consequence, the F1 particle
becomes exposed and on the outside. Using chaotropic agent
s such as urea
, these particles can be removed, dissociating the related ATPase activity from the membrane. However, the electron transport complexes remain on the membrane.
If F1 particles are removed from submitochondrial particles, they can be reconstituted by carefully removing the chaotropic agent.
ATP synthase
right|thumb|300px|Molecular model of ATP synthase by X-ray diffraction methodATP synthase is an important enzyme that provides energy for the cell to use through the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate . ATP is the most commonly used "energy currency" of cells from most organisms...
becomes exposed and on the outside. Using chaotropic agent
Chaotropic agent
A denaturating agent is a substance which disrupts the three dimensional structure in macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, or RNA and denatures them. A denaturating agent is a chaotropic agent, but chaotropic agents aren't necessarily denaturating agents...
s such as urea
Urea
Urea or carbamide is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO2. The molecule has two —NH2 groups joined by a carbonyl functional group....
, these particles can be removed, dissociating the related ATPase activity from the membrane. However, the electron transport complexes remain on the membrane.
If F1 particles are removed from submitochondrial particles, they can be reconstituted by carefully removing the chaotropic agent.