Module 8: Coupled Reaction Processes (ATP)

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on coupled reactions, ATP structure, endergonic and exergonic reactions, and phosphorylation processes from General Biology 1.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A small molecule that acts as the rechargeable energy currency of the cell, storing and releasing energy for cellular activities, comprised of adenosine bound to three phosphate groups.

Coupled Reaction

A system where two reactions are connected such that one reaction that releases energy (exergonic) provides the energy required for another reaction that needs energy (endergonic).

Endergonic Reaction

A chemical reaction that requires an input of energy, such as photosynthesis or the synthesis of proteins.

Exergonic Reaction

A chemical reaction that releases energy, such as cellular respiration or the breakdown of glucose.

Hydrolysis of ATP

An exergonic process where water is added to break down ATP into ADP and an inorganic phosphate ion, releasing free energy ($\text{ATP} + H_2O \rightarrow \text{ADP} + P$).

Dehydration of ATP

An endergonic reaction that reverses ATP hydrolysis by regenerating ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate through the removal of water ($\text{ADP} + P \rightarrow \text{ATP} + H_2O$).

Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP)

The core molecule at the heart of ATP, composed of an adenine molecule bonded to a ribose molecule and a single phosphate group.

Ribose

A five-carbon sugar found in RNA that forms part of the adenosine structure in ATP.

Adenine

One of the nucleotides in RNA that bonds to ribose in the structure of ATP.

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma

The labels assigned to the three phosphate groups contained in an ATP molecule.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where ATP is produced before being transported to the cytoplasm.

Phosphorylation

An endergonic reaction that converts ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP, requiring an input of energy.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

A type of phosphorylation occurring in the mitochondria during cellular respiration that produces about $90\%$ of ATP via the electron transport chain and proton gradients.

Substrate-Level Phosphorylation

One of the two specific types of phosphorylation processes mentioned in the ATP-ADP cycle alongside oxidative phosphorylation.