ATPase Activity Measurements Using Radiolabeled ATP.

ATP provides the energy that is essential for all P-type ATPases to actively transport their substrates against an existing gradient. This ATP hydrolysis can be measured using different methods. Here, we describe a method that uses radiolabeled [gamma-(32)P]ATP, which is hydrolyzed by P-type ATPases to ADP and (32)Pi. Activated charcoal is used to bind the excess of [gamma-(32)P]ATP, which can be separated from the unbound (32)Pi by centrifugation. With this method, a wide range (0.1 muM-10 mM) of ATP can be used. In addition, we also describe in detail how ATP hydrolysis is translated into ATPase activity.