ATP, ADP, and Cellular Energy - Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering ATP, ADP, energy transfer, and related cellular processes from the lecture notes.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

Energy-carrying molecule in cells; consists of adenosine (adenine + ribose) with three phosphate groups; energy is released when the terminal phosphate is removed.

ADP (adenosine diphosphate)

Two phosphate groups; formed when ATP loses a phosphate; can be recharged to ATP by phosphorylation.

Adenosine

Adenine attached to ribose; component of ATP and ADP.

Ribose

Five-carbon sugar that forms the sugar part of adenosine in ATP.

Phosphate group (Pi)

Phosphate unit in ATP; three are attached to ATP; breaking bonds releases energy.

Exergonic reaction

Reaction that releases energy (e.g., ATP hydrolysis).

Endergonic reaction

Reaction that requires energy input (e.g., forming ATP from ADP + Pi).

ATP hydrolysis

Process of removing a phosphate from ATP, releasing energy and forming ADP (or AMP).

Sodium-Potassium pump

Cell membrane pump that uses ATP energy to move Na+ and K+ ions against their gradients.

Kinesin motor protein

Motor protein that uses ATP energy to move along microtubules and transport cargo.

Muscle contraction

Biological process powered by ATP energy to contract muscle fibers.

Cell respiration

Metabolic process that produces energy in the form of ATP for the body.

ATP recycling

Continuous cycle where ADP + Pi are reassembled into ATP; energy-coupled with exergonic/endogonic reactions.

Oxygen (availability)

Oxygen supports aerobic ATP production; limited oxygen reduces ATP generation.