Subunit II (b') and Not Subunit I (b) of Photosynthetic ATP Synthases is Equivalent to Subunit b of the ATP Synthases from Nonphotosynthetic Eubacteria. Evidence for a New Assignment of b-Type F0 Subunits
Abstract Subunit I of chloroplast ATP synthase is reviewed until now to be equivalent to subunit b of Escherichia coli ATP synthase, whereas subunit II is suggested to be an additional subunit in photosynthetic ATP synthases lacking a counterpart in E. coli. After publication of some sequences of subunits II a revision of this assignment is necessary. Based on the analysis of 51 amino acid sequences of b-type subunits concerning similarities in primary structure, isoelectric point and a discovered discontinuous structural feature, our data provide evidence that chloroplast subunit II (subunit b' of photosynthetic eubacteria) and not chloroplast subunit I (subunit b of photosynthetic eubacteria) is the equivalent of subunit b of nonphoto synthetic eubacteria, and therefore does have a counterpart in e.g. E. coli. In consequence, structural features essential for function should be looked for on subunit II (b').