ATP

what is ATP

an immediate source of energy for biological processes

why is ATP described as an immediate source of energy

only one bond has to be hydrolysed to release energy

when is ATP made

during respiration (in mitochondria) from ADP

An inorganic phosphate is added to ADP via condensation reaction using the enzyme ATP synthase

what is the structure of ATP

- phosphorylated macromolecule

- adenine

- ribose (5 carbon)

- three phosphate groups

how does ATP store energy

unstable bonds between phosphate groups which when broken releases a small amount of energy to surroundings

hydrolysis of ATP

to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate group

phosphate used to phosphorylate other compounds making them more reactive

what enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP

ATP hydrolase

what is phosphorylation

inorganic phosphate is added to different compounds to make them more reactive

what is ATP used for

- anabolic processes- polysaccharide synthesis, protein synthesis, DNA replication

- movement- muscle contraction, ciliary action, spindle action

- active transport- provides energy to change shape of carrier proteins

- secretion

- activation of chemicals

how does atp activate chemicals

inorganic phosphate released phosyphoraltes other compounds lowering their activation energy as makes them more reactive

properties of ATP

1. Energy is released in small amounts - so energy is not wasted

2. Soluble - easily transported around the cytoplasm of a cell

3. Involves a single reaction - energy is released rapidly

4. cannot pass put of cell- always has supply of ATP/ADP + Pi