The two-step binding of IF1 inhibitory peptide to mitochondrial F1-ATPase is studied.
The effect of F1-ATPase mutations on IF1 binding is investigated for the first time.
Kinetic experiments reveal residues involved in IF1 initial binding and final locking.
Some residues of 尾 subunit are involved in IF1 grasping.
Some 伪 and 尾 motifs contribute to IF1 locking; their interactions with 纬 may help.