Features of ATP

Question 1

Releases a small but sufficient amount of energy from the complete hydrolysis of ATP why is this a benefit

Answer 1

This is enough energy to drive important metabolic reactions while keeping energy wastage low

Question 2

Exists as a stable molecule

Answer 2

It doesn’t break down unless ATP hydrolase is present so energy wont be wasted

Question 3

Can be recycled

Answer 3

The breakdown of ATP is reversible reaction, ATP can be reformed from ADP and Pi. This means the same molecule can be reused elsewhere in cells 1for different reactions

Question 4

Hydrolysis quick and easy

Answer 4

Allows cells to respond to a sudden increase in energy demand

Question 5

Soluble and easily moves within cells

Answer 5

Can transport energy to different areas of cell

Question 6

Can form phosphorylated intermediates

Answer 6

This can make metabolites more reactive and lower activation energy for a reaction

Question 7

Be careful not to use the terms energy and ATP interchangeably. Energy is the capacity or power to do work. ATP is a molecule which stores (chemical potential) energy and carries it to places in the cell that need energy to do work. “Energy” cannot be produced or destroyed whereas an ATP molecule can be - therefore in biology reactions that require energy ‘use ATP’ or ‘require the hydrolysis of ATP’ and reactions that synthesise ATP do not ‘produce energy’.