Biological Molecules - ATP Flashcards
What is ATP?
The source of energy for use and storage at cellular level.
How does ATP work?
Energy is released when 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 does have a low activation energy. The breaking of these is quick and it releases a considerable amount of energy.
What is phosphorylation?
The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule.
What is it use of the inorganic phosphate?
It can be used to phosphorylate other compounds as a result making them more reactive.
What are three properties of ATP?
– ATP is an immediate source of energy and is more desirable than glucose as ATP can be broken down in a single step to release a manageable quantity of energy.
– ATP isn’t stored in large quantities as it can be easily reformed from ADP in seconds.
– ATP is used a variety of different ways. These include metabolic processes movement, active transport, secretion and activation of molecules.
