The different ways in which organisms use ATP or ATP and its roles in living organisms Flashcards
Photosynthesis - Point
One key role of ATP in organisms is during light dependant reaction of plants and is essential for a plants survival
Photosynthesis - Evidence
LDR takes place in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts, light energy excites electrons in chlorophyll. These electrons pass through the ETC. This energy pumps protons into thylakiod space, creating a proton gradient. As protons move back into stroma via ATP synthase, ATP is made from ADP + Pi. Some is used to reduce NADP to from NADPH.
Photosynthesis - Explanation
The ATP produced is used in the Calvin cycle to form glucose from CO₂ and TP. Without it, plants couldn’t make organic molecules needed for growth.
Photosynthesis - Link
Without ATP produced in photosynthesis, plants couldn’t carry out the Calvin cycle, meaning they wouldn’t make glucose or other organic molecules. This would affect not only the plant’s survival but also all organisms that rely on plants for food and oxygen. This shows how vital ATP is in maintaining life on Earth.
Active Transport - Point
ATP is essential for active transport, allowing cells to move substances against a concentration gradient.
Active Transport - Evidence
Carrier proteins in the plasma membrane use energy from ATP to transport molecules such as ions from areas of low to high concentrations. For example the sodium-potassium pump moves Na+ out and K+ in.
Active Transport - Explanation
This is crucial for maintaining a concentration gradient, especially in nerve cells, where sodium pot pump helps generate resting potential for nerve impulse.
Active Transport - Link
Without ATP active transport couldn’t occur, disrupting processes like nerve signaling and nutrient uptake. Showing how ATP is vital for maintaining homeostasis in organisms.
DNA replication - Point
ATP is required for DNA replication, a vital process for cell division and growth.
DNA replication - evidence
During replication, ATP provides energy for enzymes like DNA helicase to unwind the DNA double helix and break hydrogen bonds between bases.
DNA replication - explanation
Without ATP, these enzymes couldn’t function, so the DNA couldn’t be copied. This would prevent cells from dividing and organisms from growing, repairing tissues, or reproducing.
DNA replication - Link
This shows ATP’s critical role in enabling DNA replication, and without it, life would not be able to continue from one generation to the next.
Selective reabsorption - Point
ATP is vital for selective reabsorption in the kidney nephron, helping maintain water and ion balance in the body.
Selective reabsorption - Evidence
In the proximal convoluted tubule, ATP is used in active transport to reabsorb useful substances like glucose, amino acids, and sodium ions from the filtrate back into the blood. Sodium-potassium pumps in the tubule cells use ATP to move Na⁺ out, allowing other substances to be reabsorbed via co-transport.
Selective reabsorption - Explanation
This process ensures that essential molecules aren’t lost in urine and helps regulate blood composition. Water also follows by osmosis, contributing to water balance.
Selective reabsorption - Link
Without ATP, active reabsorption wouldn’t occur, leading to loss of vital substances in urine and disrupting homeostasis, showing ATP’s key role in excretion and survival.
