ATP

Question 1

What is the structure of ATP?

Answer 1

• Adenine
• A ribose sugar
• three phosphate groups

Question 2

What is the formula for the hydrolysis and synthesis of ATP

Answer 2

• ATP + Water = ADP + Pi

Question 3

Explain how ATP releases energy.

Answer 3

• ATP is hydrolysed by ATP hydrolase which converts ATP into ADP
• By breaking a phosphate bond, energy is released

Question 4

How can ATP be synthesised?

Answer 4

• A phosphate molecule is added to an ADP molecule and this is catalysed by ATP synthase

Question 5

How is ATP useful in organisms

Answer 5

• ATP is an immediate energy source
• ATP can also be rapidly hydrolysed and synthesised
  and is readily available
• ATP also releases more smaller, manageable quantities of energy compared to glucose
• The phosphate molecule that is released by the hydrolysis of ATP can be used to phosphorylate other compounds making them more reactive