Importance Of ATP

Question 1

Why is ATP suited to its role?

Answer 1

1. It is inert
2. It can pass out of the mitochondria into the cytoplasm
3. Releases energy efficiently
4. Releases energy in useful quantities
5. Is hydrolysed to release energy
6. Is readily reformed by phosphorylation

Question 2

Give examples of when ATP is used.

Answer 2

Biosynthesis
Muscle contraction
Powering membrane Na+/K+ pumps
Respiration
Light dependent reactions of photosynthesis