Conformational Changes in Submitochondrial Particles of Beef Heart*

Abstract

Submitochondrial particles of beef heart change their conformation in response to change in energy state; the conformational changes occur in the headpiece-stalk sector. Energization of submitochondrial particles with ATP and succinate induces disappearance of the headpiece-stalk sector from the surface of the vesicles, and these conformational changes are reversible; discharge of energy results in re-appearance of the headpiece-stalk sector.