ATP

Question 1

Tell me about energy

Answer 1

Initial energy comes from the sun
Photosynthesis and respiration

Question 2

Releasing energy from ATP

Answer 2

Unstable phosphodiester bonds with low activation energy
When broken release a considerable amount of energy

Question 3

What is the hydrolysis reaction catalysed by

Answer 3

ATP hydrolase

Question 4

Releasing energy from ATP

Answer 4

The phosphate can be used to phosphorylate compounds often making them more reactive or to provide energy to energy requiring cellular reactions

Question 5

How can ATP be reformed

Answer 5

condensation reaction catalysed by ATP synthase

Question 6

In what three ways can the synthesis of ATP occur

Answer 6

1. In plant and animal cells during respiration (oxidative phosphorylation/aerobic conditions)
2. In chlorophyll containing plant cells during photosynthesis (phosphorylation)
3. In plant and animal cells when phosphate groups are added to ATP from donor molecules (substrate level phosphorylation)

Question 7

Why is ATP not a good long term source of energy

Answer 7

Due to the instability of phosphate bonds
Cells maintain supplies of ATP for a few seconds and as ATP is rapidly reformed from ADP this isn’t an issue
Fats and carbohydrates are better stores of long term energy

Question 8

Why is ATP a good short term source of energy

Answer 8

Hydrolysis of ATP into ADP releases immediate energy as its only a single step procedure
Each ATP releases less energy than each glucose but bc its released in smaller quantities its easier to manage

Question 9

Uses of ATP

Answer 9

Active transport- for movement against the concentration gradient
Movement-muscle contraction requires energy for the filaments to work
Metabolic processes-building macromolecules
Secretion-required to form lysosomes
Activating molecules - phosphate released from the hydrolysis of ATP can be used to activate other key biological molecules