Division of divalent cations into two groups in relation to their effect on the coupling of the F0F1-ATPase of Rhodospirillum rubrum to the protonmotive force

Divalent cations are divided into two groups in relation to their ability to promote ATP synthase catalyzed reactions. In the presence of Mg2+, the following pattern rules: (i) uncoupler-stimulated ATP hydrolysis of Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophores which shows an optimum concentration of the divalent cation; (ii) ATP-induced proton pumping in chromatophores; (iii) light-induced ATP synthesis in chromatophores; (iv) no or very low ATPase activity of purified F1-ATPase unmasked by diethylstilbestrol or n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside. In the presence of Ca2+, the following pattern occurs: (i) no stimulation of the ATP hydrolysis in chromatophores by carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone; (ii) no ATP-induced proton pumping; (iii) no light-induced ATP synthesis; (iv) a high ATPase activity of the purified F1-ATPase which is inhibited by diethylstilbestrol and n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside. Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ are members of the "Mg2+-group", whereas Cd2+ is suggested to fall between the two groups. Intrinsic uncoupling of the membrane-bound ATP synthase has been suggested to account for the effect caused by Ca2+ in chloroplasts Pick, U., & Weiss, M. (1988) Eur. J. Biochem. 173, 623-628]. Such an interpretation is consistent with our results on chromatophores. The uncoupling cannot occur at the level of the membrane since neither light-induced nor Mg-ATP-induced proton pumping is affected by Ca2+. A conformational change is suggested to be the reason for this intrinsic uncoupling, and it is proposed to be controlled by the diameters of the divalent cations (Ca2+ greater than Cd2+ greater than Mn2+ greater than Co2+ greater than Zn2+ greater than Mg2+).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)