Complex formation between the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and valinomycin in the presence of potassium

Spectroscopic evidence is presented which indicates that the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and the peptide antibiotic valinomycin form a complex in the presence of potassium. Complex formation has been observed both in aqueous and nonaqueous media. Several techniques have been used to indicate the existence of a complex in aqueous solution. In the presence of valinomycin and K+, the absorption spectrum of FCCP is significantly perturbed, and there is also a large induced circular dichroism signal. In addition, the previously characterized complex which forms between valinomycin, K+, and the fluorescent probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonate (ANS) in aqueous solution is apparently disrupted by the addition of FCCP. The result is an effective quenching of the fluorescence due to the bound probe as it is displaced from the valinomycin.K+ by the uncoupler. In a nonpolar solvent, the absorption spectrum of FCCP is also perturbed by valinomycin in the presence of K+, again indicating the formation of a complex. These data point to the importance of considering the role of valinomycin.K+.uncoupler complex in interpreting physiological or ion transport data in which these substances have been used together.     

The lysosomal proton pump is electrogenic

Lysosomes were purified approximately 40-fold from rat kidney cortex by differential and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. In a sucrose medium, the lysosomes quenched the fluorescence of the potential sensitive dye diS-C3-(5) (3,3'-dipropylthiocarbo-cyanine iodide) in a time-dependent manner, indicating that the dye accumulates within the lysosomal interior. After treatment of the lysosomes with valinomycin, the dye fluorescence displayed a logarithmic dependence upon the external K+ concentration; thus, the fluorescence signal provides a semiquantitative measure of the lysosomal membrane potential (delta psi). In the absence of valinomycin, lysosomal quenching of diS-C3-(5) fluorescence was partially reversed by agents which collapse the lysosomal pH gradient (ammonium sulfate, chloroquine, and K nigericin), suggesting that the proton gradient across the lysosomal membrane contributes to delta psi. A rapid increase in diS-C3-(5) fluorescence, indicative of an increase in delta psi, was observed upon the addition of Mg-ATP to the lysosomes. The ATP-dependent fluorescence change was inhibited by protonophores, K valinomycin, permeable anions, and N-ethylmaleimide, but was unaffected by ammonium sulfate, K nigericin, or sodium vanadate. Oligomycin had no effect at concentrations below 2 micrograms/ml; at higher concentrations, oligomycin partially inhibited the fluorescence response to Mg-ATP, but it also inhibited the fluorescence response to K valinomycin, suggesting that it had modified the permeability of the lysosomal membrane. Dicylohexylcarbodiimide behaved similarly to oligomycin. Mg-ATP also altered the lysosomal distribution of 86Rb+ (in the presence of valinomycin) and S[14C]CN-, consistent with an increase in the potential of the lysosomal interior of 40-50 mV. The results demonstrate that the lysosomal proton pump is electrogenic.     

A K(+)-competitive fluorescent inhibitor of the H,K-ATPase.

The interactions of a novel fluorescent compound, 1-(2-methylphenyl)-4-methylamino-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-c ]quinoline (MDPQ) with the gastric H,K-ATPase were determined. MDPQ was shown to inhibit the H,K-ATPase and its associated K(+)-phosphatase competitively with K+, with Ki values of 0.22 and 0.65 microM, respectively. It also inhibited H+ transport with an IC50 of 0.29 microM, but at a concentration of 3.5 microM, reduced the steady-state level of phosphoenzyme by only 28%. The fluorescence of the inhibitor increased upon binding to the enzyme. 70% of this increment was quenched by K+, independently of Mg2+. The binding of MgATP to a high affinity site (K0.5(ATP) less than 1 microM) markedly increased the fluorescence due to the formation of an inhibitor-phosphoenzyme complex saturating with a K0.5(MDPQ) of 0.94 microM. The K(+)-dependent fluorescent quench (K0.5(K+) = 1.8 mM) required the ionophore, nigericin, indicating that K+ and MDPQ were competing at an extracytosolic site on the enzyme. Formation also of an enzyme-vanadyl-inhibitor complex was shown by the fact that Mg2+ plus vanadate enhanced MDPQ fluorescence in the absence of MgATP and decreased fluorescence in the presence of MgATP. The minimal stoichiometry of bound MDPQ determined by fluorescence titrations in the presence of MgATP was 1.4 mol/mol phosphoenzyme. The data suggest that this compound can serve as a probe of conformation at an extracytosolic site of the H,K-ATPase.     

Phosphatidyl inositol-4,5-bisphosphate bound to bovine cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger displays a MgATP regulation similar to that of the exchange fluxes.

This work shows the existence of a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) bound form of the cardiac sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. That was demonstrated in Western blots and cross-immunoprecipitation by using specific antibodies against the NCX1 exchanger (NCX1) and against PtdIns-4,5-P2. In addition, PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and the Na+/Ca2+ exchange fluxes displayed a similar MgATP regulation: (a) both increase by 100-130% when membrane vesicles are incubated (15-20 s at 37 degrees C) with 1 mM MgATP and 1 microM Ca2+ (b) in the presence of 100 microM Ca2+, MgATP fails to stimulate the exchange fluxes and does not modify the levels of PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the exchanger. In addition, in the absence of Ca2+, the net synthesis of total membrane PtdIns-4,5-P2 is greatly reduced compared with that in the presence of 1 microM Ca2+. Furthermore, in the absence of Ca2+ there is no effect of MgATP on the levels of PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the exchanger. These results indicate that, in bovine heart, MgATP-stimulation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange is associated with intracellular Ca2+-dependent levels of PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the exchanger molecule.     

pH gradient across the lysosomal membrane generated by selective cation permeability and Donnan equilibrium.

The pH within isolated Triton WR 1339-filled rat liver lysosomes was determined by measuring the distribution of [14C]methylamine between the intra- and extralysosomal space. The intralysosomal pH was found to be approximately one pH unit lower than that of the surrounding medium. Increasing the extralysosomal cation concentration lowered the pH gradient by a cation exchange indicating the presence of a Donnan equilibrium. The lysosomal membrane was found to be significantly more permeable to protons than to other cations. The relative mobility of cations through the lysosomal membrane is H+ greater than Cs+ greater than Rb+ greater than K greater than Na+ greater than Li+ greater than Mg2+, Ca2+. The presented data suggest that the acidity within isolated Triton WR 1339-filled lysosomes is maintained by: (1) a Donnan equilibrium resulting from the intralysosomal accumulation of nondiffusible anions and (2) a selective permeability of the lysosomal membrane to cations.     

Uptake of thallous ions by mitochondria is stimulated by nonactin but not by respiration alone

Nonrespiring rat-liver mitochondria swell in media containing high concentrations of thallous nitrate, indicating passive penetration of Tl+. This swelling could be further stimulated by 10 nM or more nonactin while even 1 microM valinomycin was without effect. Nonactin was also much more potent than valinomycin in stimulating swelling of respiring mitochondria in the presence of thallous acetate. It is evident that nonactin acts as a potent ionophore of Tl+ able to promote both the passive and energized uptake of Tl+ in mitochondria. The distribution of Tl+, present in trace concentrations below 1 mM, was measured during energisation by respiration both in the presence and absence of ionophores. Respiration induced net uptake of Tl+ only in the presence of ionophores, though Tl+ as a permeant cation was expected to sense respiration-induced changes in the membrane potential. The data may be interpreted as indicating that no transmembrane potential is formed upon energisation, but localized fields, which are able to interact with the lipophilic ionophore complexes of Tl+, but not with the hydrophilic cation Tl+. This interpretation is valid only if thermodynamic equilibrium has been reached.     

The membrane potential modulates the ATP-dependent Ca2+ pump of cardiac sarcolemma

The effect of membrane potential on the activity of the ATP-dependent Ca2+ pump of isolated canine ventricular sarcolemmal vesicles was investigated. The membrane potential was controlled by the intravesicular and extravesicular concentration of K+, and the initial rates of Ca2+ uptake both in the presence and the absence of valinomycin were determined. The rate of Ca2+ uptake was stimulated by a inside-negative potential induced in the presence of valinomycin. The valinomycin-dependent stimulation was enhanced by the addition of K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium ion or Ba2+. The electrogenicity of cardiac sarcolemmal ATP-dependent Ca2+ pump is suggested from the increase of Ca2+ uptake by negative potential induced by valinomycin.     

Location and ion-binding of membrane-associated valinomycin, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance study

Valinomycin, incorporated in small unilamellar vesicles of perdeuterated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, reveals several well-resolved 1H-NMR resonances. These resonances were used to examine the location, orientation and ion-binding of membrane-bound valinomycin. The order of affinity of membrane-bound valinomycin for cations is Rb+ greater than K+ greater than Cs+ greater than Ba2+, and binding is sensitive to surface change. The exchange between bound and free forms is fast on the NMR time scale. The intrinsic binding constants, extrapolated to zero anion concentration, are similar to those determined in aqueous solution. Rb+ and K+ show 1:1 binding to valinomycin, whereas the stoichiometry of Cs+ and Ba2+ is not certain. Paramagnetic chemical shift reagents and nitroxide spin label relaxation probes were used to study the location and orientation of valinomycin in the membrane. Despite relatively fast exchange of bound cations, the time average location of the cation-free form of valinomycin is deep within the bilayer under the conditions of these experiments. Upon complexation to K+, valinomycin moves closer to the interfacial region.     

Direct measurement of the membrane potential of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells: lack of effect of valinomycin and ouabain.

The membrane potential of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and the effects of valinomycin and ouabain upon it have been determined. The membrane potential in control cells was 12.0 mV, inside negative. Neither valinomycin nor ouabain alone affected this value. However, valinomycin and ouabain in combination resulted in a slight hyperpolarization of the membrane. Concomitant determinations of cellular Na+, K+ and Cl- showed that valinomycin induced net losses of K+ and Cl- and a net gain in Na+ when compared to ouabain-inhibited cells. K+ permeability was increased by approximately 30% in the presence of valinomycin. In addition, valinomycin caused a rapid depletion of cellular ATP. Inhibition of Na/K transport by ouabain was without sparing effect on the rate of ATP depletion. Possible mechanisms for the electroneutral increase in K+ permeability induced by valinomycin are discussed.     

Mechanism of gastric antisecretory effect of thiocyanate: further evidence for the thiocyanate-induced impediment in gastric H+,K+-ATPase function

Two hypotheses have recently been proposed for the thiocyanate inhibition of gastric acid secretion--a protonophore mechanism and an uncoupling model. The mechanistic aspects for the latter scheme have been examined on the following basis: capability of generating verifiable predictions, supporting evidence that is unambiguous, and compatibility with experimental realities. Gastric microsomes bind 5 nmol of SCN-/mg, and a "pure" and highly active fraction of H+,K+-ATPase prepared from gastric microsomes binds about 15 nmol of SCN-/mg. The affinity of SCN- binding to gastric microsomes changes from 10 to 25 mM in the presence of 20 mM K+ suggesting competition between K+ and SCN-. Potassium also displaces the bound SCN- from "pure" H+,K+-ATPase with a Ki of about 25 mM. Of the cations tested--Tl+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, Na+, and Li+--Tl+ was the most effective in displacing bound SCN- while Na+ and Li+ were without effect. The effects of anions such as Cl-, NO3-, and gluconate were found to be nonspecific and absolutely dependent on K+ as cocation. Sulfate and OCN-, on the other hand, showed an ability to displace SCN- as both K+ and Na+ salts. For SO4(-2) the K+ form was much more effective than the Na+ salt. Besides these antagonistic effects of K+ and congeners with the H+,K+-ATPase-bound SCN-, a competition between K+ and SCN- was also observed at the level of gastric K+-stimulated pNPPase reaction. The effects of SCN- and two other unrelated anions, F- and NO2-, on artificial delta pH across the microsomal vesicles exhibited a lack of appreciable change up to 5 mM and a small (about 13%) reduction between 10 and 20 mM. However, a combination of CCCP and nigericin or valinomycin completely abolished the delta pH under identical conditions. The present data in conjunction with other reports suggest that the proton impediment model best explains the gastric antisecretory effects of SCN-.     

Regulation of the transmembrane potential of isolated chromaffin granules by ATP, ATP analogs, and external pH.

The transmembrane potential of isolated chromaffin granules has been measured using the permeant ions [14C]methylamine and [35S]thiocyanate, as well as the fluorescent probe, 9-aminoacridine. At pH 7.0, the granule membrane had a Nernst proton potential of -45mV, inside negative. This potential was sensitive to the external pH, but was unaffected by K+,Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, or other cations. The pH of zero potential was 6.25 for both methylamine and thiocyanate. Thiocyanate also had a Nernst potential of similar magnitude and sign to that of methylamine at pH 7.0, and was also sensitive to variation in external pH. Mg2+ATP was found to depolarize the granule membrane by a saturable mechanism with a K 1/2 for ATP of 40 muM. Ca2+ was only 30% as effective as Mg2+ in supporting the ATP effect. The pH optimum for this process was 6.25 and appeared to be accompanied by a marked alkalinization of the granule interior. The specificity for ATP was further tested with structural analogs of ATP and GTP. The rate of change of membrane potential in response to changes in external pH or Mg2+ATP was estimated using the fluorescent probe 9-aminoacridine. Changes came to completion in less than 1 s. This suggested that the ATP effects were not dependent on an enzymatic transformation but on an ATP-induced conformational change in the membrane. We conclude that the chromaffin granule exists in at least two proton permeability states, corresponding to the presence or absence of Mg2+ATP. These states may be related to hormone release from granules and regulation of secretion in vivo.     

Inhibition of (H+ + K+)-ATPase by omeprazole in isolated gastric vesicles requires proton transport

Omeprazole was found to inhibit the (H+ + K+)-ATPase activity in isolated gastric vesicles only when acid was accumulated in the vesicle lumen. The ATPase activity was time- and dose-dependently inhibited in the presence of K+ and valinomycin. Under conditions in which no pH-gradient was generated, i.e., in the presence of K+ alone or NH4+, no effect of omeprazole was found. The degree of inhibition was directly correlated to the amount of inhibitor bound to the preparation. A stoichiometry of 2 mol radiolabelled inhibitor bound per mol phosphoenzyme was found on total inhibition of the K+ plus valinomycin-stimulated activity. This inhibitory action of omeprazole on the ATPase activity could be fully reversed by addition of beta-mercaptoethanol. The inhibition of the proton transport in the (H+ + K+)-ATPase-containing vesicles by omeprazole was also strictly correlated to the amount of bound inhibitor. The stoichiometry of binding at total inhibition of this reaction was found to be 1.4 mol per mol phosphoenzyme. The K+-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity was inhibited in parallel with the ATPase activity, whereas the phosphoenzyme levels were affected to a lesser extent by omeprazole. Gel electrophoresis of an omeprazole-inhibited vesicle preparation showed that the radiolabel was mainly found at 94 kDa, the molecular weight of the (H+ + K+)-ATPase catalytic subunit(s).     

Relationship between medium pH and that of the lysosomal matrix as studied by two independent methods.

1. The method of estimating the intralysosomal pH by measuring the distribution of [14C]methylamine in lysosomes isolated from the livers of Triton WR 1339-treated rats has been critically examined. 2. In lysed lysosomes, methylamine is bound to the membrane fragments, but this binding can be completely suppressed by increasing the concentration of monovalent cations in the medium. 3. In intact lysosomes, the binding of [14C]methylamine is only partly inhibited by monovalent cations at 25 degrees C. 4. THe accumulation of [14C]methylamine in intact lysosomes is progressively inhibited as the concentration of methylamine is increased. A similar inhibition of [14C]methylamine accumulation is obtained with NH4Cl. 5. Similar values for the intralysosomal pH were obtained from measurements of the distribution of methylamine, dimethylamine and trimethylamine, which are accumulated in the lysosomes, and of 5,5-dimethyloxazolidinedione-2,4, which is excluded. 6. The breakdown of endocytosed 123I-labelled bovine serum albumin by intact isolated lysosomes is much less sensitive to the pH of the medium than the breakdown of added protein by lysed lysosomes. 7. The intralysosomal pH has been estimated by comparing the rate of breakdown of endocytosed 125I-labelled albumin in intact lysosomes as a function of medium pH with that of added 125I-labelled albumin by lysed lysosomes at different pH values. The values obtained agree well with those calculated from the distribution of [14C]methylamine. 8. Methylamine and NH4Cl inhibit the breakdown of 125I-labelled albumin in intact lysosomes, particularly at high medium pH, but have no effect on the breakdown by lysed lysosomes. 9. It is concluded that a pH difference across the lysosomal membrane (more acidic inside than outside) is maintained by the presence of indiffusible negatively charged groups within the lysosomes, and by the permeation across the lysosomal membrane of protons together with permeant anions (or of OH- in exchange for anions).     

The distribution of permeant ions demonstrates the presence of at least two distinct electrical gradients in bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei.

The distribution of 86Rb+ and the radiolabelled lipophilic cation [3H]methyltriphenylphosphonium (MePh3P+) was used to investigate the membrane potentials that exist in bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei. Even after correction for binding to cellular constituents, the accumulation of MePh3P+ was approximately tenfold greater than the accumulation of Rb+ under resting conditions. The addition of low concentrations of carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone or valinomycin reduced the accumulation of MePh3P+ tenfold without perturbing the accumulation of Rb+. Although selective permeabilization of the plasma membrane abolished the accumulation of Rb+ and caused a substantial decrease in the accumulation of MePh3P+, a significant carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone-sensitive accumulation of MePh3P+ persisted under these conditions. These data were consistent with the presence of at least two distinct membrane potentials (delta psi) in bloodstream forms of T. brucei; a potential across the plasma membrane (delta psi p) and an additional delta psi, generated by the electrogenic movement of H+, across the membrane of an intracellular organelle that possesses no electrical permeability to Rb+ or K+.     

Adenosine 5''-triphosphate synthesis energized by an artificially imposed membrane potential in membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis driven by an artificially imposed membrane potential in right-side-out membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli was investigated. Membrane vesicles prepared in the presence of adenosine diphosphate were loaded with K+ by incubation with 0.5 M potassium phosphate. Addition of valinomycin resulted in the synthesis of 0.2 to 0.3 nmol of ATP/mg of membrane protein, whereas no synthesis was observed after addition of nigericin. Addition of K+, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, or azide to the assay buffer inhibited ATP synthesis. Adenosine diphosphate and Mg2+ were found to be required. Ca2+, which can replace Mg2+ for the hydrolytic activity of the Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (EC 3.6.1.3), could not replace Mg2+ in the synthetic reaction and, in fact, inhibited ATP synthesis even in the presence of Mg2+. Strain NR-70, a mutant lacking the Mg2+-ATPase, was unable to synthesize ATP using an artificially imposed membrane potential. Additionally, the Mg2+-ATPase was found to contain tightly bound ATP.     

Mast cell-lysosomal cationic protein interaction: effects of metabolic inhibitors and decay of activated cells on enhanced fluorescence of anilinonaphthalene sulfonate

It has been shown earlier that the interactions of the isolated rat peritoneal mast cells with cationic protein from rabbit neutrophil lysosomes (band 2 protein) can be studied using anilinonaphthalene sulfonate (ANS) as a fluorescent probe. In the present communication, binding of ANS dye to the mast cells interacting of histamine release by metabolic inhibitors was found to have no effect on enhancement of ANS fluorescence. On the other hand, inhibition of histamine release at high concentration of Ca2+ (14.4 mM) was accompanied by the decrease in enhance fluorescence. In the presence of 7.2 mM of Sr2+, the release of histamine was enhanced with small but significant increase in ANS fluorescence. The cells heated to 42 degrees C partially lost their capacity to release histamine without the loss of enhanced fluorescence. The mast cells interacting with B2 at 10 degrees C for various time intervals showed time-dependent loss in histamine releasing capacity with concomitant loss in enhanced fluorescence. These studies suggest that the enhancement of ANS fluorescence is associated with the early events of the cell membrane caused by interaction of B2 with the cells. The extracellular cations significantly influence this early event.     

Effect of gradients of monovalent cations on active transport of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and proteoliposomes

Artificially generated K+ gradient from the sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles enhances the ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport. The effect is not specific for K+, and is observed when K+ is replaced by Na+ or choline. Dissipation of the K+, Na+, choline gradient does not influence the ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in proteoliposomes from asolectin and purified Ca2+-ATPase. The K gradient in the presence of valinomycin stimulates the ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in proteoliposomes.     

Anthroylouabain: a specific fluorescent probe for the cardiac glycoside receptor of the Na-K ATPase.

Anthroylouabain (AO) was synthesized by reaction of anthracene-9-carboxylic chloride with ouabain. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of AO suggests that the anthracene is esterfied to the rhamnose in the glycoside. AO inhibits Na-K ATPase from human red cells, eel electroplax and rabbit and dog kidney with a KI less than 1muM. AO bound to rabbit or dog kidney Na-K ATPase shows enhanced fluorescence and characteristic spectral shifts. AO binding requires Mg and is optimum in the presence of Mg + Pi or MgATP + Na; ouabain prevents AO binding and fluorescence enhancement if added before AO or reverses it if added after AO is bound. Na inhibits AO binding in the presence of Mg + Pi and K inhibits it in the presence of MgATP + Na. AO binding and dissociation rate constants measured by fluorescence agree qualitatively with reported measurements for ouabain, using other methods, although AO shows faster kinetics than ouabain. Dissociation constants obtained from kinetic measurements are 1.5 X 10(-7) and 1.8 X 10(-7) M for the MgATP + Na complex and Mg + Pi complex, respectively. KD from fluorescence titrations is 2.3 X 10(-7) M for the latter. The enzyme has 2-2.5 nmol of AO binding sites/mg of protein. No differences in the fluorescence parameters of the Mg + Pi or MgATP + Na complexes were observed, suggesting that the same enzyme conformation binds AO under both ligand conditions. Comparison of the AO fluorescence parameters in the enzyme with those of model systems suggests that the binding site is hydrophobic and/or viscous and shielded from H2O. The results indicate that AO is a specific fluorescent probe of the cardiac glycoside receptor of the Na-K ATPase. Possible applications are discussed.     

Further characterization of nucleotide binding sites on chloroplast coupling factor one

The solubilized coupling factor from spinach chloroplasts (CF1) contains one nondissociable ADP/CF1 which exchanges slowly with medium ADP in the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+, or EDTA; medium ATP also exchanges in the presence of Ca2+ or EDTA, but it is hydrolyzed, and only ADP is found bound to CF1. The rate of ATP exchange with heat-activated CF1 is approximately 1000 times slower than the rate of ATP hydrolysis. In the presence of Mg2+, both latent CF1 and heat-activated CF1 bind one ATP/CF1, in addition to the ADP. This MgATP is not removed by dialysis, by gel filtration, or by the substrate CaATP during catalytic turnover; however, it is released when the enzyme is stored several days as an ammonium sulfate precipitate. The photoaffinity label 3'-O-[3-[N-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino]-propionyl]-ATP binds to the MgATP site, and photolysis results in labeling of the beta subunit of CF1. Equilibrium binding measurements indicate that CF1 has two identical binding sites for ADP with a dissociation constant of 3.9 microM (in addition to the nondissociable ADP site). When MgATP is bound to CF1, one ADP binding site with a dissociation constant of 2.9 microM is found. One ATP binding site is found in addition to the MgATP site with a dissociation constant of 2.9 microM. Reaction of CF1 with the photoaffinity label 3'-O-[3-[N-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino]propionyl]-ADP indicates that the ADP binding site which is not blocked by MgATP is located near the interface of alpha and beta subunits. No additional binding sites with dissociation constants less than 200 micro M are observed for MgATP with latent CF1 and for CaADP with heat-activated CF1. Thus, three distinct nucleotide binding sites can be identified on CF1, and the tightly bound ADP and MgATP are not at the catalytic site. The active site is either the third ADP and ATP binding site or a site not yet detected.