Abstract The chloroplast ATP synthase (CF 1 F o ) contains a specific feature to the green lineage: a γ-subunit redox domain which contains a cysteine couple and interacts with the torque-generating βDELSEED-loop. Based on the recently solved structure of this domain, it was proposed to function as a chock. In vitro, γ-disulfide formation slows down the activity of the CF 1 F o at low transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient . Here, we utilize in vivo absorption spectroscopy measurements for functional CF 1 F o activity characterization in Arabidopsis leaves. The spectroscopic method allows us to measure the present in dark-adapted leaves, and to identify its mitochondrial sources. Furthermore, we follow the fate of the extra generated by an illumination, including its osmotic and electric components, and from there we estimate the lifetime of the light-generated ATP. In contrast with a previous report [Joliot and Joliot, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1777 (2008) 676-683], the CF 1 F o γ-subunit exists mostly in an oxidized form in the dark-adapted state. To study the redox regulation of the CF 1 F o , we used thiol agent infiltration in WT and a mutant that does not form the γ-disulfide. The obtained -dependent CF 1 F o activity profile in the two γ-redox states in vivo reconciles with previous biochemical in vitro findings [Junesch and Gräber, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 893 (1987) 275-288]. The highest rates of ATP synthesis we measured in the two γ-redox state were similar at high . In the presence of the γ-dithiol, similar rates were obtained at a ~45 mV lower value compared to the oxidized state, which closely resembled the energetic gap of 0.7 ΔpH units reported in vitro .

ECS-based investigation of chloroplast ATP synthase regulation