ATP Flashcards
Describe the 3 part structure of ATP
Adenine is a nitrogen containing organic base
Ribose is a sugar molecule with a 5 carbon ring structure that acts as a backbone
Phosphates is a chain of 3 phosphate groups
How does ATP store energy?
The 3 phosphate groups in ATP has unstable bonds between them with a low activation energy, meaning they are easily broken. When these bonds break they release a large amount of energy
ATP + H20 = ADP + P + energy
This is a hydrolysis reaction as water is used
What is the enzyme used to catalyse the hydrolysis of ATP
ATP hydrolase
How is ATP syntheisised?
The hydrolysis of ATP is a reversible reaction so energy can be used to add inorganic phosphate to ADP to reform ATP. AS water is removed, this is a condensation reaction
When does the synthesis of ATP from ADP occur?
In chlorphyll containing plant cells during photosynthesis
In plant and animal cells during respiration
In plant and animal cells when phosphate groups are transferred from donor molecules to ADP
What type of energy source does ATP act as? Why is this a benefit
An immediate energy source because of its weak phosphate bonds. This means cells do not store large quantities of ATP.
This serves as a benefit because each ATP molecule releases less energy than a glucose molecule meaning it is more manageable in smaller quantities, and the hydrolysis of ATP is a single reaction releasing immediate energy whereas glucose is a long winded process so takes longer
Describe how ATP is used in metabolic processes
ATP provides the energy needed to build up macromolecules from their basic units
How is ATP used in movement?
Provides energy for muscle contraction, gives energy for filaments of a muscle to slide past each other and shorten the length of a muscle fibre
How is ATP used in active transport?
Provides energy to change the shape of carrier proteins in plasma membranes, allowing molecules and ions to be moved against a conc gradient
How is ATP used in secretion?
Provides energy needed to form the lysosymes needed for secretion of cell products
How is ATP used in the activation of molecules?
The inorganic phosphate released in hydrolysis of ATP can be used to phosphlorate other compounds in order to make them more reactive, lowering the activation energy of enzyme catalysed reactions
Benefit of ATP as an energy source?
Can be readily used to provide energy, can be rapidly resyntheisised, phosphor rates other compounds to make tjem more reactive
