3.1.6 ATP

Question 1

what is the name of ATP?

Answer 1

adenosine triphosphate.

Question 2

what is the structure of ATP?

Answer 2

• 3 phosphate groups.
• a ribose sugar (like in RNA).
• the nitrogenous base adenine.

Question 3

how is ATP formed?

Answer 3

ADP + Pi > ATP
adenosine diphopshate + phosphate > adenosine triphosphate

• reaction catalysed by ATP synthase, which is a mitochondrial enzyme.
• formed by a condensation reaction, which releases water.

Question 4

how is ATP hydrolysed?

Answer 4

ATP > ADP + Pi
adenosine triphosphate > adenosine diphosphate + phosphate

• reaction catalysed by ATP hydrolase.
• releases energy when breaking down the 3 phosphate group into a 2 phosphate group.
• hydrolysis reaction, which absorbs water.

Question 5

what is the function/effect of Pi?

Answer 5

• can phosphorylate substrates by making them more reaction (like a catalyst).

Question 6

what is the benefit of ATP releasing a small amount of energy?

Answer 6

enough energy to aid important metabolic reactions while keeping energy wastage low.

Question 7

what is the benefit of ATP being a stable molecule?

Answer 7

doesn’t break down unless a catalyst is present = so doesn’t waste energy.

Question 8

what is the benefit of ATP being able to be recycled?

Answer 8

the breakdown of ATP is reversible, so ATP can be reformed from ADP and Pi meaning same molecules can be reused elsewhere in the cell for different reactions.

Question 9

what is the benefit of hydrolysis being quick and easy?

Answer 9

allows cells to respond to a sudden increase in energy demand.

Question 10

what is the benefit of ATP being soluble and being able to move easily within cells?

Answer 10

can transport energy to different areas in the cell.

Question 11

what is the benefit of ATP being able to form phosphorylated intermediates?

Answer 11

making metabolites more reactive and lowering the activation energy required for a reaction.

Question 12

what is the role of ATP in metabolic processes/ chemical reactions?

Answer 12

ATP provides energy to build up macromolecules.

Question 13

what is the role of ATP in movement?

Answer 13

ATP provides energy for muscle contraction.

Question 14

what is the role of ATP in active transport?

Answer 14

ATP provides energy to change carrier proteins in membranes.

Question 15

what is the role of ATP in mass transport?

Answer 15

ATP is needed to form lysosomes.

Question 16

what is the role of ATP in increasing the reactivity of molecules?

Answer 16

phosphorylation of other compounds lowering activation energy.