2.3 - ATP Flashcards
The role and structure of ATP The reactions which form and break down ATP How the properties of ATP relate to its function The uses of ATP in the body
1
Q
What is ATP?
A
The energy currency of the cell
2
Q
What is the structure of ATP?
A
Consists of 3 parts:
* Adenine- Nitrogenous base
* Ribose - 5-carbon sugar
* Phosphates - 3 phosphate groups
3
Q
What are 4 uses of ATP?
A
- Movement, such as muscle contraction or for sperm cells to swim.
- Active transport of molecules against the concentration gradient, such as ions entering plant roots.
- Synthesis of large molecules, such as DNA and proteins.
- Secretion of substances from cells, such as releasing hormones from glands.
4
Q
How is ATP broken down?
A
By hydrolysis
5
Q
What are the products of ATP hydrolysis?
A
ADP and inorganic phosphate
6
Q
What enzyme catalyses ATP hydrolysis?
A
ATP hydrolase
7
Q
How is ATP re-synthesised?
A
By condensation
8
Q
What enzyme catalyses ATP synthesis?
A
ATP synthase
9
Q
Why is ATP a good immediate energy source?
(Name at least 3)
A
- Hydrolysis of ATP releases small amount of energy which means that little energy is lost as heat
- ATP is broken down in one step meaning the energy is quickly released
- ATP can be rapidly re-synthesised so that it is always readily available
- the inorganic phosphate resulting from ATP hydrolysis can phosphorylate other compounds to make them more reactive
- the bonds between the phosphate groups are unstable so have low activation energy and are easily broken
- ATP is soluble so it can be easily transported around cells
10
Q
Why is ATP not a good long-term energy store?
A
It is rapidly used and re-synthesised
