Catalytic Binding Sites Research Articles

Proton uptake mechanism of bacteriorhodopsin as determined by time-resolved stroboscopic-FTIR-spectroscopy

Bacteriorhodopsin's proton uptake reaction mechanism in the M to BR reaction pathway was investigated by time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy under physiological conditions (293 K, pH 6.5, 1 M KCl). The time resolution of a conventional fast-scan FTIR spectrometer was improved from 10 ms to 100 mus, using the stroboscopic FTIR technique. Simultaneously, absorbance changes at 11 wavelengths in the visible between 410 and 680 nm were recorded. Global fit analysis with sums of exponentials of both the infrared and visible absorbance changes yields four apparent rate constants, k(7) = 0.3 ms, k(4) = 2.3 ms, k(3) = 6.9 ms, k(6) = 30 ms, for the M to BR reaction pathway. Although the rise of the N and O intermediates is dominated by the same apparent rate constant (k(4)), protein reactions can be attributed to either the N or the O intermediate by comparison of data sets taken at 273 and 293 K. Conceptionally, the Schiff base has to be oriented in its deprotonated state from the proton donor (asp 85) to the proton acceptor (asp 96) in the M(1) to M(2) transition. However, experimentally two different M intermediates are not resolved, and M(2) and N are merged. From the results the following conclusions are drawn: (a) the main structural change of the protein backbone, indicated by amide I, amide II difference bands, takes place in the M to N (conceptionally M(2)) transition. This reaction is proposed to be involved in the "reset switch" of the pump, (b) In the M to N (conceptionally M(2)) transition, most likely, asp-85's carbonyl frequency shifts from 1,762 to 1,753 cm(-1) and persists in O. Protonation of asp-85 explains the red-shift of the absorbance maximum in O. (c) The catalytic proton uptake binding site asp-96 is deprotonated in the M to N transition and is reprotonated in O.

Analysis of mutations in the copper B binding region associated with type I (tyrosinase-related) oculocutaneous albinism.

Mutations of the tyrosinase gene are responsible for type I (tyrosinase-related) oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), an autosomal recessive genetic syndrome with a broad phenotypic spectrum. Mutant tyrosinase alleles can be associated with no melanin synthesis (I-A, tyrosinase-negative OCA), small to moderate amounts of melanin (I-B, yellow OCA) or unusual pigment patterns (I-TS, temperature-sensitive OCA). A total of 26 mutations of this gene have been described in type I OCA. Analysis of all known mis-sense mutations (n = 17) shows that most cluster in three areas of the coding region. Two clusters involve the copper A or copper B binding sites and may disrupt the metal ion-protein interaction necessary for enzyme function and the third cluster is located in exon I. Computer modeling of the secondary structure of the copper binding regions based on homology with the known crystal structure of hemocyanin show that they both consist of two alpha helices containing three histidine ligands that complex to a single copper atom. Mutations in the copper B binding region lie in the region between the two alpha helices that consists of a loop structure. These mutations may affect tyrosinase activity by either altering the position of the alpha helical domains and thus preventing proper copper binding to the histidine ligands, or affecting a catalytic or substrate binding site located between the two alpha helical domains.

Identification of subunits required for the catalytic activity of the F1-ATPase.

F1 (alpha beta) complexes containing equimolar ratios of the alpha and beta subunits have been shown to function as active ATPases, whereas individually isolated alpha and beta subunits show no real ATPase activity. These results indicate that the single-copy subunits are not required for F1-ATPase activity. The minimal F1 (alpha beta)-core complexes exhibit, however, lower rates and some different properties from those of their parent whole F1 or alpha 3 beta 3 gamma complexes. It is therefore concluded that for obtaining a full spectrum of the characteristic functional properties of an F1-ATPase the presence of the F1-gamma subunit is also required. The implications of these findings on the subunit location of both catalytic and noncatalytic nucleotide binding sites is discussed.

Covalent binding of 3‘-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl adenosine 5‘-triphosphate (BzATP) to the isolated alpha and beta subunits and the alpha 3 beta 3 core complex of TF1. Covalent binding of BzATP prevents association of alpha and beta subunits and induces dissociation of the alpha 3 beta 3 core complex.

Binding of the photoreactive ATP analog, 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP), to the isolated alpha and beta subunits of TF1 and to the alpha 3 beta 3 "core" complex of the holoenzyme is described. About 1 mol of BzATP/mol of subunit was incorporated to isolated alpha and beta subunits. The incorporation of BzATP was prevented by ATP. Covalent binding of BzATP to the alpha subunit was in general somewhat lower than that observed with the beta subunit. No complex was formed upon mixing of either of the modified subunits with the complementary nontreated subunits. Covalent binding of 3 mol of BzATP/alpha 3 beta 3 complex completely inhibited ATPase activity and resulted in the dissociation of the complex. The labeled nucleotide analog was specifically incorporated into the beta subunit of the complex. The holoenzyme TF1, in contrast to the core complex, did not dissociate to the individual subunits upon covalent binding of BzATP. These results are discussed in relation to the location of the catalytic nucleotide binding site(s) and the conformation stability of the alpha 3 beta 3 core complex of TF1.

Plasmin generation induces neutrophil aggregation: dependence on the catalytic and lysine binding sites.

We established that plasmin (10(-10) M to 10(-6) M) caused neutrophils (PMN) to aggregate using an in vitro assay. Plasminogen had no PMN aggregatory activity even at a concentration of 2 microM. However, plasminogen caused PMN to aggregate when incubated with plasminogen activators [tissue plasminogen activator (25-200 U/ml) or urokinase (5-500 U/ml)]. Tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase alone had no PMN aggregatory activity. Analysis of these incubation mixtures indicated that plasmin was generated in the process and that the time course of plasmin generation correlated with the aggregation response. Active-site-inhibited plasmin did not induce PMN aggregation, indicating that a functional catalytic site was required for the response. Pretreatment of PMN with either active-site-inhibited plasmin or tranexamic acid prevented PMN aggregation by plasmin, indicating that both binding of plasmin to the cell surface via the lysine binding sites and catalysis were required for the response. The generation of plasmin during activation of fibrinolysis may play a pro-inflammatory role by mediating aggregation of PMN.

An attempt to discriminate catalytic and regulatory proton binding sites in membrane-bound, thiol-reduced chloroplast ATPase.

The question of the possible identity of catalytic and regulatory proton pathways in the chloroplast FoF1 ATPase has been studied using different energy-transfer inhibitors. Venturicidin, a reversible inhibitor of Fo, affects neither the delta mu H(+)-dependent thiol reduction of the membrane-bound chloroplast ATPase nor its ability to be activated by the proton gradient. It seems therefore to block only the proton flow required by the catalytic function of the enzymes. Venturicidin, however, also slows down the deactivation of the thiol-reduced ATPases during uncoupled ATP hydrolysis, following a delta mu H+ activation, but phloridzin, a reversible F1 inhibitor, has the same effect. Tentoxin, an irreversible F1 inhibitor, decreases the rate of ATP hydrolysis but does not affect the rate of deactivation. These findings suggest that catalytic and regulatory H(+)-binding sites are different. No distinction can be made, if any, between protons involved in unmasking the thiol-sensitive groups of F1 and in activating the enzyme. The effect of venturicidin and phloridzin on the deactivation is consistent with an inhibitory effect of newly formed--by ATP hydrolysis--ADP molecules, which might affect the enzyme without passing through the medium. Phosphate at millimolar concentration has an effect similar to low concentrations of phloridzin and venturicidin, probably by a simple back-reaction effect.

2‘,3‘-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-8-azido-AMP and -ATP photolabel Lys-492 at the active site of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase.

2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-8-azido (TNP-8N3)-AMP, -ADP, and -ATP bind tightly to the Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum and become covalently attached on irradiation at alkaline pH, concomitant with inactivation of ATPase activity (Seebregts, C. J., and McIntosh, D. B. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 2043-2052). The ATPase is derivatized to the extent of 2-3 nmol/mg protein (i.e. approximately 1/2 maximum phosphoenzyme levels) per irradiation period at equimolar concentrations of ATPase and nucleotide. Stability studies of the adduct formed at alkaline pH revealed that the linkage is labile, particularly if the protein is denatured by brief heat (60 degrees C) treatment (t1/2 = 4-8 h at 40 degrees C). Thermolysin digestion of derivatized vesicles resulted in the release of the majority of the TNP chromaphore as an unstable TNP-peptide adduct (t1/2 = 9 h at 25 degrees C) with the sequence FSRDR*SMS, where the missing residue is Lys-492 and is presumably that which is derivatized. The same peptide adduct, and in similar amounts, was isolated from the ATPase derivatized with either TNP-8N3-AMP or -ATP. Several lines of evidence, including the finding that ATP- and not acetyl phosphate- or Pi-dependent phosphorylation is blocked by derivatization, suggest that the lysyl residue is at the catalytic nucleotide binding site, but is not directly involved in phosphoryl transfer. Lys-492 and Phe-487, as well as neighboring Arg-476 and Lys-515 (labeled with fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate), have all been highly conserved and probably contribute to a subdomain binding the purine and/or proximal phosphoryl groups of ATP.

Binding catalytic sites to the surface of porous polymers and some catalytic applications

Binding catalytic sites to the surface of porous polymers and some catalytic applications

Structure-function relationships of hirulog peptide interactions with thrombin

Using hirudin as a model, a novel class of bivalent thrombin inhibitors has been designed and characterized (Maraganore et al. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 7095–7101). These peptides, designated ‘hirulogs’, interact with both thrombin's catalytic center and its anion-binding exosite for fibrinogen recognition. In order to investigate structure-activity relationships in hirulog peptides, a number of peptide and peptidomimetic derivatives with alterations in catalytic-site binding and anion-binding exosite binding moieties were prepared. Replacements or modifications in the catalytic site and exosite binding moieties were achieved with the consequences of maintaining or improving antithrombin activity. In addition to showing improved affinity for thrombin, some derivatives with K 1's in the sub-nanomolar range showed increased anticoagulant activities. These findings highlight the versatility of hirulog peptides in their bivalent interactions with thrombin.

Inhibition of enolase: the crystal structures of enolase-calcium(2+)-2-phosphoglycerate and enolase-zinc(2+)-phosphoglycolate complexes at 2.2-.ANG. resolution

Enolase is a metalloenzyme which catalyzes the elimination of H2O from 2-phosphoglyceric acid (PGA) to form phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). Mg2+ and Zn2+ are cofactors which strongly bind and activate the enzyme. Ca2+ also binds strongly but does not produce activity. Phosphoglycolate (PG) is a competitive inhibitor of enolase. The structures of two inhibitory ternary complexes: yeast enolase-Ca2(+)-PGA and yeast enolase-Zn2(+)-PG, were determined by X-ray diffraction to 2.2-A resolution and were refined by crystallographic least-squares to R = 14.8% and 15.7%, respectively, with good geometries of the models. These structures are compared with the structure of the precatalytic ternary complex enolase-Mg2(+)-PGA/PEP (Lebioda & Stec, 1991). In the complex enolase-Ca2(+)-PGA, the PGA molecule coordinates to the Ca2+ ion with the hydroxyl group, as in the precatalytic complex. The conformation of the PGA molecule is however different. In the active complex, the organic part of the PGA molecule is planar, similar to the product. In the inhibitory complex, the carboxylic group is in an orthonormal conformation. In the inhibitory complex enolase-Zn2(+)-PG, the PG molecule coordinates with the carboxylic group in a monodentate mode. In both inhibitory complexes, the conformational changes in flexible loops, which were observed in the precatalytic complex, do not take place. The lack of catalytic metal ion binding suggests that these conformational changes are necessary for the formation of the catalytic metal ion binding site.

Active/Inactive state transitions of the chloroplast F1 ATPase are induced by a slow binding and release of Mg2+. Relationship to catalysis and control of F1 ATPases.

Mg2+ is known to be a potent inhibitor of F1 ATPases from various sources. Such inhibition requires the presence of a tightly bound ADP at a catalytic site. Results with the spinach chloroplast F1 ATPase (CF1) show that the time delays of up to 1 min or more in the induction or the relief of the inhibition are best explained by a slow binding and slow release of Mg2+ rather than by slow enzyme conformational changes. CF1 is known to have multiple Mg2+ binding sites with Kd values in the micromolar range. The inhibitory Mg2+ and ADP can bind independently to CF1. When Mg2+ and ATP are added to the uninhibited enzyme, a relatively fast rate of hydrolysis attained soon after the addition is followed by a much slower steady-state rate. The inhibited steady-state rate results from a slowly attained equilibrium of binding of medium Mg2+. The Kd for the binding of the inhibitory Mg2+ is in the range of 1-8 microM, in the presence or absence of added ATP, as based on the extent of rate inhibition induced by Mg2+. Assessments from 18O exchange experiments show that the binding of Mg2+ is accompanied by a relatively rapid change to an enzyme form that is incapable of hydrolyzing MgATP. When ATP is added to the Mg2+- and ADP-inhibited enzyme, the resulting reactivation can be explained by MgATP binding to an alternate catalytic site which results in a displacement of the tightly bound ADP after a slow release of Mg2+. Both an increase in temperature (to 50 degrees C) and the presence of activating anions such as bicarbonate or sulfite reduce the extent of the Mg2+ inhibition markedly. The activating anions may bind to CF1 in place of Pi near the ADP. Whether the inhibitory Mg2+ binds at catalytic or noncatalytic nucleotide binding sites or at another location is not known. The Mg2(+)- and ADP-induced inhibition appears to be a general property of F1 ATPases, which show considerable differences in affinity for ADP, Mg2+, and Pi. These differences may reflect physiological control functions.

A functional arginine residue in the vacuolar H +-ATPase of higher plants

The arginine-specific reagent phenylglyoxal inactivated the vacuolar H +-ATPase of red beet. Inactivation by phenylglyoxal followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and a double log plot of the t 1 2 of inactivation versus phenylglyoxal concentration yielded a slope of 1.18. Neither inorganic anions nor DIDS protected from phenylglyoxal-mediated inactivation of the H +-ATPase. Indeed, Cl − stimulated the rate of phenylglyoxal-mediated H +-ATPase inactivation relative to SO 4 2−. ATP, but not MgATP or ADP, protected from phenylglyoxal-mediated inactivation and inactivation resulted in a decrease in the V max of the H +-ATPase with little effect on the K m. Collectively, these results are consistent with phenylglyoxal-mediated inactiation of the vacuolar H +-ATPase resulting from modification of a single arginine residue in the catalytic nucleotide binding site of the vacuolar H +-ATPase. Stimulation of phenylglyuoxal-mediated inactivation by Cl − indicates that exposure of the phenylglyoxal-sensitive functional arginine residue is enhanced in the presence of Cl −. The failure of MgATP to protect from phenylglyoxal inactivation suggess that ATP, rather than MgATP, binds directly to the catalytic site and that Mg 2+ may act to promote catalysis subsequent to ATP binding.

Characteristics of thermostable pullulanase from Bacillus stearothermophilus and the nucleotide sequence of the gene

Thermostable pullulanase was purified to homogeneity on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel from the culture supernatant of Bacillus stearothermophilus TRS128. However, multiformity of the pullulanase was suggested by activity staining on a pullulan-reactive red plate. The thermostability of the enzyme was tested. In the presence of Ca 2+, the optimum temperature of the pullulanase was 75°C, and nearly 100% of the enzyme activity was retained even after treatment at 68°C for 60 min. Since the thermostable pullulanase gene ( pulT) has been cloned, the nucleotide sequence was determined. Although the DNA sequence revealed only one large open reading frame, two possible pairs of SD sequence and initiation codon were found in the frame. To analyze the regulatory region, several mutations (deletion, insertion and substitution of nucleotides) were introduced in the flanking region of pulT, using site-directed mutagenesis. A putative promoter, SD sequence and initiation codon were inferred. The pulT gene was composed of 1974 bases and 658 amino acid residues (molecular weight 75,375). The deduced amino acid sequence of the thermostable pullulanase exhibited a fairly low homology with that of the thermolabile pullulanase from Klebsiella aerogenes. However, four consensus sequences containing catalytic and/or substrate binding sites for amylolytic enzymes were also found in the thermostable pullulanase and the thermolabile enzyme.

ATP Inhibition ofPhycomycesPyruvate Kinase: A Kinetic Study of the Inhibitory Effects on the Allosteric Kinetics Shown by The Enzyme

Studies on ATP effects on the allosteric kinetics shown by pyruvate kinase from Phycomyces blakesleeanus NRRL 1555 (-) are reported. Phosphoenolpyruvate showed an allosteric ATP-dependent substrate inhibition. The results supported the existence of spatially distinct catalytic binding sites and the inhibitory binding sites for phosphoenolpyruvate, and ATP showed opposite heterotropic effects with respect to these two types of binding site. With respect to Mg2+ ions, ATP caused a negative heterotropic effect. The global inhibitory effect of ATP was in agreement with the predictions postulated by the two-state concerted-symmetry model of Monod, Wyman and Changeux.

Heterogeneity of ATP-hydrolyzing sites on reconstituted CF 0F 1

The proton translocating ATP-synthase from chloroplasts, CF 0F 1, was isolated and reconstituted into asolectin liposomes. [γ- 32P]ATP hydrolysis was measured under uni-site conditions. When 1 mM unlabeled ATP was added so that all ATP-binding sites were occupied, [γ- 32P]ATP bound to the first site, was hydrolyzed with a rate of 0.5 ATP/(CF 0F 1 s). In a second experiment, first cold ATP was hydrolyzed under uni-site conditions and then 1 mM [γ- 32P]ATP was added. This allows under otherwise identical conditions the measurement of the rate of ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by the second (and possibly third) site. It resulted in a rate of 80 ATP/(CF 0F 1 s). It is concluded that the catalytic nucleotide binding sites are heterogeneous: there exists one nucleotide binding site which hydrolyzes ATP with a maximal turnover of 0.5/s and another one (or two) which hydrolyze ATP with a turnover of 80/s. The latter one is the catalytic site for maximal turnover.

Blood clotting factor IX BM Nagoya: Substitution of arginine 180 by tryptophan and its activation by α-chymotrypsin and rat mast cell chymase

Factor IX BM Nagoya (IX Nagoya) is a natural mutant of factor IX responsible for severe hemophilia B. A patient with this mutant is characterized by a markedly prolonged ox brain prothrombin time. IX Nagoya was purified from the patient's plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography with an anti-factor IX monoclonal antibody column. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that treatment of IX Nagoya with factor XIa/Ca2+ resulted in cleavage only at the Arg145-Ala146 bond. Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography of a trypsin digest of IX Nagoya showed an aberrant peptide, which was further digested with proteinase Asp-N. Primary structure analysis of one of the Asp-N peptides revealed that Arg180 is replaced by Trp. An essentially complete (99%) amino acid sequence of IX Nagoya was obtained by sequencing fragments derived from a lysyl endopeptidase digest in which no other substitutions in the catalytic triad or substrate binding site were found. We also found that IX Nagoya is activated by α-chymotrypsin or rat mast cell chymase by monitoring the rate of factor X activation using a fluorogenic peptide substrate in the presence of factor VIII, phospholipids, and Ca2+. These results indicate that the substitution of Arg180 by Trp impairs the cleavage by factor XIa required for activation of this zymogen and that the substitution causes hemophilia BM.

A kinetic study of the pH effect on the allosteric properties of pyruvate kinase from Phycomyces blakesleeanus

This paper reports the pH-dependence of the allosteric kinetics of Phycomyces blakesleeanus pyruvate kinase with phospho enolpyruvate and Mg 2+ ions in the presence and in the absence of the fructose 1,6-biphosphate (allosteric activator) and l-alanine (allosteric inhibitor). Hydrogen ions increase the affinity of the inhibitory binding sites for phospho enolpyruvate and Mg 2+ ions. Assuming partial conformational states of high and low affinity for inhibitory binding sites, the data presented are in good agreement with the predictions postulated by the two-state concerted-symmetry model of Monod, Wyman and Changeux (J. Mol. (1965) 12, 88–118). Fructose-1,6-biphosphate and l-alanine show opposite effects on the interactions of phospho enolpyruvate and Mg 2+ ions with their respective catalytic and inhibitory binding sites. At pH 6.0, the regulation of the Phycomyces pyruvate kinase activity by the concentrations of phospho enolpyruvate and Mg 2+ ions is controlled mainly by l-alanine.

Substrate specificities of growth factor associated kallikreins of the mouse submandibular gland.

The kinetic constants for the hydrolysis of a series of tripeptide p-nitroanilide substrates by mouse epidermal growth factor binding protein (EGF-BP), the gamma-subunit of mouse nerve growth factor (gamma-NGF), bovine pancreatic trypsin (BPT), and porcine pancreatic kallikrein (PPK) have been evaluated. These substrates correspond to the carboxyl-terminal three amino acids of the mature forms of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF), as well as various substitutions in the penultimate and antepenultimate positions, and, as such, represent potential recognition sites for precursor processing. The mouse kallikreins (EGF-BP and gamma-NGF) preferentially hydrolyze the substrates with the sequences of their specifically associated growth factors; however, the constants derived from these reactions do not account for the association constants observed with the mature growth factors, and additional significant binding interactions between EGF-BP and EGF and between gamma-NGF and beta-NGF are predicted to exist outside of the catalytic binding site, i.e., the P3 to P1 positions. A comparison of the kinetic constants of BPT, PPK, and the mouse kallikreins indicates that EGF-BP and gamma-NGF display a hybrid catalytic character. A favorable substrate P1 arginine guanidinium group interaction exists for the mouse kallikreins, similar to that of BPT, but a preference for a hydrophobic side chain in the substrate P2 position makes the mouse kallikreins, especially EGF-BP, more closely resemble PPK than BPT. These findings have significant implications with regard to molecular modeling of the mouse kallikreins.

The chloride-activated peroxidation of catechol as a mechanistic probe of chloroperoxidase reactions: Competitive activation as evidence for a catalytic chloride binding site on compound I

Abstract Chloride ion (Cl-) effects on chloroperoxidase (CPO)-catalyzed peroxidation of catechol were used to probe the involvement of Cl- in CPO reactions. High concentrations of Cl- inhibit catechol peroxidation by competing with hydrogen peroxide (KI = 370 mM). However, at lower concentrations, Cl- is a linear competitive activator versus catechol (KDC = 35 mM). Addition of good halogenation substrates to the peroxidatic reaction mixture converts Cl- from a competitive activator to a competitive inhibitor. The KI (10 mM) for this halogenation substrate promoted Cl- inhibition is equivalent to the KM (11 mM) for Cl- in CPO-catalyzed halogenation reactions. During this inhibition, the halogenation substrate is consumed and, at the point where its consumption is complete, Cl- again becomes an activator. Also, at 2.0 mM hydrogen peroxide, CPOs chlorination reaction and its Cl- -activated peroxidatic reaction have similar apparent kcat values. All data are consistent with a mechanism in which Cl- competes with catechol for binding to CPO Compound I. Catechol binding initiates the Cl- -independent path, in which Compound I acts as the oxidizing agent for catechol. When Cl- binds to Compound I, it reacts to yield the enzymatic chlorinating intermediate which is responsible for either the oxidation of catechol in the Cl- -dependent path or the chlorination of substrates in the halogenation pathway. Cl- activation of the peroxidatic reaction is due to a shift from the Cl- -independent pathway to the Cl- -dependent process. The mechanism is unique in that exclusion of the substrate from its primary binding site leads to an increase in the catalytic efficiency of the reaction. This catechol-Cl- system also offers further potential for probing the specificity and chemistry of the key enzymatic intermediates in haloperoxidase-catalyzed reactions.

Temperature-induced states of isolated F 1-ATPase affect catalysis, enzyme conformation and high-affinity nucleotide binding sites

Isolated, nucleotide-depleted bovine-heart F1-ATPase exhibits a break in Arrhenius plot with a 2.7-fold increase in activation energy of ATP hydrolysis below 18-19 degrees C. Analysis of intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence and of the circular dichroism of F1-ATPase showed an abrupt and reversible conformational change occurring at the break temperature, characteristic of a structural tightening at low temperature. Analysis of catalytic nucleotide binding sites using fluorescent ADP analog, 3'-O-(1-naphthoyl)adenosine diphosphate did not show any significant change in affinity of nucleotide binding around the transition temperature but the bound fluorophore exerted a more restricted motion and slower rotation at temperature below the break, indicating a change in the mobility of groups in the close neighbourhood. It is concluded that, as a result of temperature, two kinetically distinct states of F1-ATPase are induced, due to a change in enzyme conformation, which influences directly the properties of catalytic nucleotide binding sites.