Proton gradient-induced changes of the interaction between CF0 and CF1 related to activation of the chloroplast ATP synthase.

Thylakoid energization by light causes destabilization of CF0CF1 so that the peripheral CF1 sector is more readily detached from the membrane by intermediate concentrations of the chaotropic salt NaSCN. Here we have investigated the correlation between the proton gradient-induced change of CF0CF1 interaction and CF0CF1 activation. The results indicate a close relationship between the two phenomena. The effect is most probably due to reduction of the electrostatic interaction between the two subcomplexes CF0 and CF1 as a consequence of protonations in the interface region.