ATP: The Energy Currency of Cells

These flashcards cover the essential concepts and details from the lecture on ATP, its role in cellular energy, and related processes.

What does ATP stand for?

Adenosine triphosphate.

What main role does ATP serve in cells?

ATP stores and releases energy for cellular activities.

Where do most organisms get their energy from?

The sun.

What process do plants use to convert sun energy into chemical energy?

Photosynthesis.

What is glucose's role in ATP production?

Glucose is broken down to produce ATP.

Why can’t cells use glucose directly for energy?

Because glucose is a large macromolecule that is cumbersome for cells to store.

How does ATP compare to glucose in terms of size and energy?

ATP is smaller and more efficient for cellular energy needs.

What analogy is used to explain the function of ATP?

A vending machine: glucose is like a large bill needing change (ATP) to use.

What are the components of an ATP molecule?

Adenine, ribose sugar, and a triphosphate chain.

What happens to ATP when it releases energy?

The bond between the second and third phosphate group is broken, forming ADP.

What is hydrolysis in relation to ATP?

The process where water is added to break the bond between phosphate groups.

What do you call the process of adding a phosphate group back to ADP?

Phosphorylation.

What is the energy analogy for ADP?

ADP is like a partially charged battery.

What types of work do cells perform using ATP?

Chemical, mechanical, and transport work.

How does ATP provide energy for chemical reactions?

By phosphorylating reactants, it supplies energy for endergonic synthesis.

What role does ATP play in muscle contractions?

It provides the energy needed for muscle contractions.

What is active transport and how is ATP involved?

Active transport moves molecules against the concentration gradient, powered by ATP.

What happens when the bond between the second and third phosphate in ATP is broken?

Energy is released for cellular activities.

How do cells maintain ATP levels?

Through the cyclical conversion between ATP and ADP.

What is the significance of the bond between phosphate groups in ATP?

It is the key to ATP's ability to power cellular activities.

What major energy transformation occurs in cells using ATP?

Cells frequently switch between storing and releasing energy using ADP and ATP.

How does ATP power mechanical work in cells?

By transferring phosphates to motor proteins in muscle cells.

How does ATP facilitate transport work in cells?

By powering the movement of molecules against the concentration gradient.

Why is ATP considered a renewable source of energy?

Because it can be constantly regenerated from ADP.

What distinguishes ATP from other energy storage forms in cells?

It is the primary energy currency that cells use for immediate energy needs.

What is the overall importance of ATP in cellular functions?

ATP is essential for all cellular activities and processes.