ATP Synthase (Lollipop Structure) Giant Prop

By Jewel Reuter, November 29, 2002

I propose making a very large ATP synthase molecule (lollipop structure) prop for my class.  Here is a diagram of the giant ATP synthase molecule, lollipop structure.

 

http://www.clownantics.com/walkaround.shtml#giantfoam is the source for the image of the lollipop.  I added the words and symbols to it.

Defending and Describing the Use of the Lollipop Prop

I remember my first cell and molecular course by Dr. Lumsden of Tulane University.  He showed my class an electron micrograph of the inner membranes of the mitochondria and he explained how the membrane was lined with lollipop structures.  He really got our attention!  He was attempting to explain how ATP was produced.  He began with the equation:

ADP + Pi ----> ATP

He explained that this reaction requires energy.   He said that the most efficient way to provide such energy is to form a proton gradient which is generated between the inner and outer membranes of the mitochondrial membranes and the mitochondrial matrix and between the lumen of the grana and the stroma of the chloroplast.

As we looked at the electron micrographs of the “lollipop structures.”  He explained how they were large enzyme complexes called mitochondrial ATPase, or ATP synthase.  He explained how they were discovered in 1956 and were shown to be the unit that actually converts energy from the proton gradient (across the membrane) into ATP.  He then was able to explain that “lollipops structure” was a scientific term.  All the students were very attentive.  He explained that ATP synthase was a complex that resembles a lollipop on a stalk. The "head" of the lollipop, called the F₁ complex, contains six protein subunits (3 alpha and 3 beta units), and surrounds a stalk consisting of three more subunits (gamma, delta, and epsilon). The base of the complex, called F_o, attaches the complex to a membrane.

 The following is a model of ATPase, showing the membrane-embedded region (F_o) and "lollipop" region (F₁).

Above image obtained form: http://www.biology.com/news/chemistry/atpase.html.

My Cell and Molecular Biology classmates and I were so excited about the “lollipop structures” and we all talked about them after class and for two years.  I think a GIANT PROP would make the explanation of ATP synthase and associated chemiosmosis more exciting. I think the giant lollipop prop would be very appealing to biology students.  Also, ATP synthase is so very important in the study of photosynthesis and respiration, and many students in their study miss it. We need to get the students’ attention.  I would also give small lollipops to the students at the end of class so they could use it as they studied the lollipop structures.  I think it would be very useful for students to get “their molecular candy.”

The giant lollipop prop would be made of two 36-inch diameter toy swimming pools carefully tapped together with colored duct tape.  A 2-inch hole would be made at the bottom center so that 3.5 ft of  2-inch pipe could be inserted.  The other 4.5 feet would extend from the pool and would represent the stick.  A coupler would hold the 2 pieces of pipe together.  The pipe is easier to transport and to store if it is of smaller lengths.  The remainder of the pipe would extend from the pool and would represent the stick.  “ATPàADP + P, H⁺ and Making a Molecular Treat” would be made by typing letters with a computer, printing them, attaching them to foam board, cutting them out and attaching them to the candy or the stick. 

ATP is a high-energy molecular treat for cells.  The large lollipop structure would be used to study photosynthesis and respiration and to visualize how ATP is produced.  The large size will get the students’ attention and will help them to see how the electrons pass through ATP synthase as a result of chemiosmosis.  The students will also “see” that H⁺ reacts with oxygen on the lollipop structure and that ATP and water are produced.

See the table below to see the structure and materials of the Lollipop Prop, and that it would cost $69 to produce.  If I were in a large lecture hall, I would use a 64-inch diameter pool and a 10 –11 ft piece of pipe.

I think the giant Lollipop Structure Prop unique.  I have not seen a model of the lollipop structure that uses a real lollipop.

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