3.2 ATP: Energy & Currency

Question 1

Phosphorylation

Answer 1

The transfer of a phosphate group, usually from ATP, to another molecule

Question 2

ATP cycle

Answer 2

The cyclic and ongoing breakdown and re-synthesis of ATP

Question 3

Cells need energy to carry out many important
functions such as:

Answer 3

• Mechanical work (beating cilia, muscle
  movement)
• Transport Work (pumping substances across
  membranes)
• Chemical Work (providing energy to build
  complex molecules)

Question 3

ATP Hydrolysis

Answer 3

• ATP contains large amounts of FREE ENERGY
  (energy that can do useful work)
• Specifically the crowded, negatively charged
  phosphate groups repel one another and
  weaken the bonds holding them together
• These bonds can be easily broken by
  Hydrolysis to release energy

Question 4

ATP + H2O 🡪

Answer 4

ADP + Phosphate Group + Energy

Question 5

Energy Coupling:

Answer 5

Using energy released from one reaction to drive another reaction

Question 5

ATP can be used to attach a phosphate group

Answer 5

to another molecule (phosphorylation) to
supply it with ENERGY

Question 6

The phosphate may make the molecule more
reactive

Answer 6

and more likely to undergo a spontaneous reaction

Question 6

Regeneration of ATP

Answer 6

Cells must regenerate ATP in order to continue functioning (like recharging
batteries)

Question 7

Cells make ATP by combining

Answer 7

ADP (Adenosine
diphosphate) with a Phosphate group

Question 8

ATP is generated through the

Answer 8

breakdown of
more complex molecules in the food we eat
(fats, carbohydrates, proteins)

Question 9

ATP –

Answer 9

The Universal Energy Currency

Question 9

ATP provides a manageable amount of energy for cell reactions (just the right amount)

Answer 9

This allows ATP to COUPLE to thousands of
different reactions in our cells

Question 10

ATP can be assembled using the energy from a
variety of different food molecules and can
therefore be

Answer 10

reliably utilized (no shortage of
ATP)