ATP and Cellular Work

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding ATP, its role in energy transfer, and related biochemical processes.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy-carrying molecule in cells.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, often used to drive endergonic processes.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input to proceed.

Energy Coupling

The use of an exergonic process to drive an endergonic one.

Hydrolysis of ATP

The chemical reaction where ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to activate or deactivate proteins.

Phosphorylated Intermediate

A reactant that has received a phosphate group from ATP, making it more reactive.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules to release energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, typically requiring energy.

ATP Cycle

The continuous process of ATP usage, hydrolysis, and regeneration in cells.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy-carrying molecule in cells.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, often used to drive endergonic processes.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input to proceed.

Energy Coupling

The use of an exergonic process to drive an endergonic one.

Hydrolysis of ATP

The chemical reaction where ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to activate or deactivate proteins.

Phosphorylated Intermediate

A reactant that has received a phosphate group from ATP, making it more reactive.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules to release energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, typically requiring energy.

ATP Cycle

The continuous process of ATP usage, hydrolysis, and regeneration in cells.

Structure of ATP

What are the three main components of an ATP molecule?

• Adenine

• Ribose sugar

• Three phosphate groups

High-Energy Bonds in ATP

Which bonds in ATP store a large amount of potential energy, and are often broken during energy release?

ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)

What molecule is formed when ATP loses one phosphate group?

AMP (Adenosine Monophosphate)

What molecule is formed when ATP loses two phosphate groups?

Mechanism of Energy Coupling

In energy coupling, how does an exergonic reaction typically provide energy for an endergonic reaction?

Example of Exergonic Process producing ATP

Give an example of a catabolic process that is exergonic and produces ATP.

Example of Endergonic Process requiring ATP

Give an example of an anabolic process that is endergonic and requires ATP.

Activation Energy and Energy Coupling

Does energy coupling change the activation energy of a reaction?

Substrate-Level Phosphorylation

What is it called when an enzyme directly transfers a phosphate from an organic substrate to ADP to form ATP?

Oxidative Phosphorylation

What is the process where ATP is formed as a result of the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis?

ATP Synthase

What enzyme is primarily responsible for synthesizing ATP during oxidative phosphorylation?

Cellular Respiration's Role in ATP Cycle

How does cellular respiration contribute to the ATP cycle?

Metabolism

What is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism?

ATP as Immediate Energy Source

Why is ATP considered the immediate source of energy for most cellular work?

Reversibility of Phosphorylation

Is phosphorylation a reversible process, and if so, what enzymes are typically involved?

ATP's role in Active Transport

How does ATP provide energy for active transport across a cell membrane?

ATP's role in Mechanical Work

How does ATP power mechanical work, such as muscle contraction?

Thermodynamics of ATP Hydrolysis

Is the overall process of ATP hydrolysis an example of an endergonic or exergonic reaction according to thermodynamics?

Importance of Continuous ATP Regeneration

Why is the continuous regeneration of ATP crucial for cellular survival?

ATP as 'Energy Currency'

Why is ATP often referred to as the 'energy currency' of the cell?