1.6 ATP

Question 1

what is ATP

Answer 1

adenosine triphosphate

Question 2

describe the structure of ATP

Answer 2

• ribose bound to a molecule of adenine ( base ) and 3 phosphate groups
• nucleotide derivative ( modified nucleotide )

Question 3

describe how ATP is broken down

Answer 3

• ATP ( + water ) –> ADP ( adenosine diphosphate ) + Pi ( inorganic phosphate )
• hydrolysis reaction using a water molecule
• catalysed by ATP hydrolase ( enzyme )

Question 4

give two ways in which the hydrolyses of ATP is used in cells

Answer 4

• coupled to energy requiring reactions within cells ( releases/provides energy ) eg. active transport and protein synthesis
• inorganic phosphate released can be used to phosphorylate ( add phosphate to ) other compounds making them more reactive

Question 5

describe how ATP is resynthesised in cells

Answer 5

• ADP + Pi –> ATP ( + water )
• condensation reaction, removing a water molecule
• catalysed by ATP synthase ( enzyme )
• during respiration and photosynthesis

Question 6

suggest how the properties of ATP make it a suitable immediate source of energy for cells

Answer 6

• releases energy in relatively small amounts/little energy is lost as heat
• single reaction/one bond is hydrolysed to release energy so immediate release
• cannot pass out of cell