Mycoplasma mobile moves into overdrive: Twin motor modified from ATP synthase discovered

(Osaka City University) Using electron microscopy and high-speed atomic force microscopy, researchers show the internal molecular motor behind the gliding mechanism for Mycoplasma mobile to consist of two ATP synthase-like molecules. Sharing a similar structure with ATP synthase suggests a common evolutionary ancestor. This synthase-like ATPase is challenging the origin of cells and proteins themselves.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news