Biological Molecules - ATP, Water, and Inorganic Ions Flashcards
What does ATP stand for, and what does it consist of?
Stands for adenosine triphosphate and consists of ribose, andenine, and three phosphate groups.
How is energy released from an ATP molecule?
Energy is released when ATP is hydrolysed to form a molecule of ADP and an inorganic phosphate.
The energy comes from the bonds between the phosphate molecules.
What can the inorganic phosphate be used for?
To phosphorylate other molecules, making them more reactive.
What are the properties of ATP?
- It is an immediate source of energy that can be broken down in a single step to release a manageable quantity of energy.
- It isn’t stored in large quantities as it can be reformed from ADP quickly and easily.
What is ATP used for?
Metabolic processes, movement, active transport, secretion, and activation of molecules.
Is water polar or non-polar?
Polar
Why is water polar?
It has an uneven distribution of charge within the molecule as the oxygen is slightly negative and the hydrogen is slightly positive.
Which properties of water make it useful in cells?
- A good solvent- allows gases to readily diffuse as well as enzymes and waste products
- High specific heat capacity- minimises temperature fluctuations and acts as a buffer.
- High latent heat of vaporisation- vaporisation has a cooling effect in sweating.
- Surface tension and cohesion - allows transport in the xylem.
What is the importance of hydrogen ions in the body?
They determine the pH of substances such as blood.
What is the importance of iron ions in the body?
They are a component of haemoglobin.
What is the importance of sodium ions in the body?
They are involved in the co-transport of glucose and amino acids.
What is the importance of phosphate ions in the body?
They are a component of DNA and ATP.
