intro to ATP and metabolism

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in the human body.

Anabolic reactions

Endergonic (require energy) reactions that assemble small molecules into large ones.

Catabolic reactions

Exergonic (release energy) reactions that break down large molecules into smaller ones.

Autotrophs

Organisms that are self-feeding and produce carbohydrates from carbon dioxide (CO2).

Chemosynthesis

The process by which some autotrophs use inorganic chemicals to convert CO2 into carbohydrates.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot perform chemosynthesis or photosynthesis and must feed on other organisms for energy.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

A molecule used by all cells to fuel endergonic reactions.

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP)

A molecule used by all cells to fuel some endergonic reactions, also contributes to RNA.

ATPases

Enzymes that release and capture energy stored in ATP.

Cofactors

Substances like vitamins or minerals necessary for enzyme activity.

Daily ATP synthesis

The total amount of ATP your body synthesizes daily is equivalent to your body mass (approximately 50-100kg).

Circulatory system's role

Delivers raw materials (O2 and glucose) to cells for ATP production.

Eukaryotic ATP synthesis locations

ATP is synthesized in the cytosol (glycolysis), mitochondrion, and nucleus (NUDIX5 enzyme).

Endergonic and exergonic reactions

Endergonic reactions couple with exergonic reactions to maintain energy balance.

Pellagra

A nutritional disorder caused by insufficient dietary niacin (Vitamin B3) intake, leading to reduced ATP synthesis.