Biology, structure and mechanism of P-type ATPases

P-type ATPases are ion pumps that carry out many fundamental processes in biology and medicine, ranging from the generation of membrane potential to muscle contraction and the removal of toxic ions from cells. Making use of the energy stored in ATP, they transport specific ions across the cell membrane against a concentration gradient. Recent X-ray structures and homology models of P-type pumps now provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of ATP-driven ion transport.