Atp Flashcards
Describe the structure of ATP
nitrogenous base adenine
Penrose sugar ribose
3 phosphate groups
Adp = 2 phosphate groups
Describe how atp is formed
It is synthesised by adding a phosphate group to ADP using enzyme ATP synthase
Creating bonds requires energy so synthesising atp is used to capture energy released from respiration or absorbed by sunlight
Describe how ATP is hydrolysed
By enzyme ATP hydrolyse
The captured energy is released when ATP is hydrolysed (breaking bonds releases energy) and can then be used for other energy requiring processes in the cell
Cellular processes that require energy
Active transport
Cell division
Synthesises of macromolecules( proteins carbs fats nucleic acids)
Generation of nerve impulses
Muscle contraction
Why is ATP described as the universal energy currency of cells
- found in almost all living cells
- synthesised where energy is captured- sunlight (plants) or released- respiration
- a small molecule that can easily be moved around cell
- hydrolysed to release energy where it is needed
- hydrolysed to release small quantities of energy ( enough to be useful but not to cause cellular damage- hydrolysis of ATP releases 30.8 KJmol-1)
What is ATP synthase
Transmembrane protein
Contains - channel allowing H+ ions to pass through membrane
- the catalytic site where ADP is combined with Pi
Where does the energy need to synthase ATP come from
Electrons either removed from glucose in respiration or excited by sunlight energy in photosynthesis
Why is the fact atp releases a small but sufficient amount of energy beneficial
Enough energy to drive important metabolic reactions while keeping energy wastage low
Why is the fact ATP exists as a stable molecule beneficial
Doesn’t break down unless a catalyst is present, no energy wasted
Why is the fact hydrolysis is quick and easy beneficial
Allows cells to respond to a sudden increase in energy demand
Why is the fact ATP is soluble and moves easily within cells beneficial
Can transport energy to different areas of the cell
