Energy and ATP

Question 1

what is the structure of ATP

Answer 1

adenine- a nitrogen containing organic base
ribose- a sugar molecule with a 5C ring structure that acts as the backbone to which the other parts are attached
phosphate-a chain of 3 phosphate groups

Question 2

what does atp stand for

Answer 2

adenosine triosphosphate

Question 3

how does ATP store energy

Answer 3

the bonds between the 3 phosphate groups are unstable and so have a lower activation energy, which means they are easily broken, when they do break they release a considerable amount of energy

Question 4

how is atp converted into ADP+P

Answer 4

water is used to convert atp into adp, this is known as hydrolysis, the reaction is catalysed by the enzyme ATP hydrolase.

ATP+H2O–>ADP+P+ENERGY

Question 5

how is adp converted into atp

Answer 5

energy can be used to add an inorganic phsophate to adp to form atp, it is catalysed by the enzyme ATP synthase. water is removed therefore its a condensation reaction

Question 6

why is ATP a better immediate energy source then glucose

Answer 6

each atp molecule releases less energy then each glucose molecule. the energy for reactions is therefore released in smaller, more manageable quantities

the hydrolysis of atp to adp is a single reaction that releases immediate energy, breakdown of glucose is a long series of reactions and therefore the energy release takes longer

Question 7

what is atp used in cells which are energy requiring processes

Answer 7

• metabolic processes- provides energy to build up macromolecules from their basic units
• movement- provides energy for muscle contraction
• active transport- provides energy to change shape of carrier proteins in plasma membranes
• secretion- needed to form lysosomes necessary for the secretion of cell products
• activation of molecules- inorganic phosphate released during hydrolysis of atp can be used to phosphorylate other compounds to make them more reactive, thus lowering the activation energy enzyme catalysed reactions