ATP - Biological Molecules

Question 1

What is adenine triphosphate?

Answer 1

nucleotide derivative

Question 2

What does adenosine triphosphate consist of ?

Answer 2

Ribose, adenine and three phosphate groups

Question 3

What happens when ATP is hydrolysed?

Answer 3

Energy is released and ATP is hydrolysed to form ADP and a phosphate molecule. This process is catalysed by ATP hydrolase. The energy comes from the bonds between the phosphate molecules. These bonds are very unstable and therefore have a low activation energy. The breaking of these are quick and release a lot of energy.

Question 4

What are the properties of ATP

Answer 4

-ATP is a immediate source of energy and is more desirable to use than glucose as ATP can be broken down in a single step to release a manageable quantity of energy.
- ATP isnt stored in large quantities as it can be easily reformed into ADP in seconds
-ATP is used for metabolic processes, movement, active transport, secretion and activation of molecules.

Question 5

Advantages of ATP

Answer 5

• Instant source of energy in the cell
• Releases energy in small manageable amounts as required.
• Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP in a single reaction, glucose break down requires long series of reactions.
• Mobile molecules so transports energy where it is needed in the cell
• Universal energy carrier so used in many different reactions.