ATP (3.1.6)

Question 1

What does ATP stand for?

Answer 1

• Adenosine triphosphate

Question 2

What is ATP used for?

Answer 2

• The immediate energy source for biological processes

Question 3

What is ATP composed of?

Answer 3

• Adenine
• Ribose
• 3 inorganic phosphate groups

Question 4

Why are the phosphate groups described as being inorganic?

Answer 4

• This is because they do not contain any carbon atoms

Question 5

When ATP is hydrolysed what happens?

Answer 5

• Energy is released
• Adenosine diphosphate and an inorganic phosphate group is formed
• This process is catalysed by the enzyme ATP hydrolase

Question 6

What can the energy released during the hydrolysis of ATP be used for?

Answer 6

• Can be linked to energy-requiring reactions with cells
• Including protein synthesis or active transport

Question 7

What is unique about the inorganic phosphate released during the hydrolysis of ATP?

Answer 7

• It can be used to phosphorylate other compounds, often making them more reactive
• This process is called phosphorylation

Question 8

Give an example of phosphorylation

Answer 8

• Glucose is phosphorylated to form glucose phosphate, which makes glucose more reactive

Question 9

What is ATP synthesis?

Answer 9

• When ATP is synthesised by the condensation of ADP and Pi
• This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme ATP synthase during respiration or photosynthesis
• It is the energy released from respiration or photosynthesis that enables the resynthesis of ATP

Question 10

What are the uses and properties of ATP as an energy source?

Answer 10

• Releases relatively small amount of energy
• Releases energy instantaneously
• Phosphorylates other compounds, making them more reactive
• Can be rapidly re-synthesised
• Does not leave cells