ATP

Question 1

What does ATP stand for?

Answer 1

Adenosine triphosphate

Question 2

What is the function of ATP?

Answer 2

ATP is used as an immediate source of energy for biological processes

Question 3

What are the components of ATP?

Answer 3

• A ribose sugar
• Adenine
• 3 phosphate groups

Question 4

What are the two reactions of ATP?

Answer 4

• Broken down by a hydrolysis reaction
• Re-synthesised by a condensation reaction

Question 5

Hydrolysis of ATP

Answer 5

• Using ATP hydrolase, ATP is hydrolysed into ADP and an inorganic phosphate (P_i)
• This releases energy for use in cells

ATP + H₂O → ADP + P_i

Question 6

What enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP?

Answer 6

ATP hydrolase

Question 7

Condensation to reform ATP

Answer 7

• Using ATP synthase, a phosphate and ADP join via a condensation reaction where a water molecule is released
• This process requires energy and traps chemical energy in the bond

ADP + P_i → ATP + H₂O

Question 8

What enzyme catalyses the condensation of ADP + Pi to form ATP?

Answer 8

ATP synthase

Question 9

How does the properties of ATP link to its function?

Answer 9

ATP releases a small amount of energy - no energy wasted
Small and soluble - easily transported around the cell
Only one bond broken - energy release is immediate
Pi released can phosphorylate other compounds - makes other compounds more reactive
ATP cannot leave the cell - the cell always has an immediate supply of energy