3.1.6 ATP

Question 1

Describe the structure of adenosine triphosphate

Answer 1

Ribose sugar with adenine base and 3 phosphate groups

Question 2

Explain the role of ATP in cells

Answer 2

ATP hydrolase catalyses ATP –> ADP + Pi
Energy released is coupled to metabolic reactions
Phosphate group phosphorylates compounds to make them more reactive

Question 3

How is ATP resynthesised in cells

Answer 3

ATP synthase catalyses condensation reaction between ADP + Pi
during photosynthesis and respiration

Question 4

Explain why ATP is suitable as the energy currency of cells

Answer 4

High energy bonds between phosphate groups
Small amounts of energy released at a time = less energy wasted as heat
Single-step hydrolysis = energy available quickly
Readily resynthesised