ATP Hydrolysis and Redox

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ATP hydrolysis, redox reactions, and energy transfer processes in biology.

What is ATP and its significance in the cell?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the cell’s main energy-storing molecule used in metabolism.

What are the components of ATP?

ATP contains ribose sugar, adenine base, and three phosphate functional groups.

ATP synthase

ATP synthase is an enzyme that produces ATP by using the energy from the flow of protons across a membrane during cellular respiration or photosynthesis.

how is energy released from atp

hydrolysis of atp (exergonic) releases energy and ADP is produced

Energy is released from ATP when the bond between its second and third phosphate groups is broken through hydrolysis, converting ATP into ADP and an inorganic phosphate, and releasing energy that the cell can use for various functions.

What is phosphorylation in the context of ATP?

ATP is used to phosphorylate molecules

1) phosphorylate proteins/enzymes — activate or inactive them

2) phosphorylate a molecule — molecules become more reactive (like a substrate)

ATP function

provides energy for endergonic reactions and processes

atp synthesis is endergonic

atp hydrolysis is exergonic

What are redox reactions?

reaction that transfers electrons from one atom to another

reduction

gain of elections / potential energy is reduced (always coupled)

oxidation

electrons are lost / potential energy is oxidized (always coupled)

What does OIL RIG stand for?

OIL RIG stands for 'Oxidation Is Loss; Reduction Is Gain.'

How are electrons and protons related in redox reactions?

Electrons and protons (H+) usually move together during redox reactions, often with protons being transferred alongside the electrons.

What distinguishes oxidizing agents from reducing agents?

An oxidizing agent is a molecule that takes electrons from another molecule (becomes reduced), while a reducing agent gives electrons to another molecule (becomes oxidized).

What are electron carrier molecules and their role?

Electron carrier molecules, like NAD+/NADH (most common) and FAD/FADH2 , both coenzymes, are constantly reduced and oxidized to shuttle electrons from one place to another

What are the two ways ATP is produced in cells?

ATP is produced through

1) substrate-level phosphorylation (minor way) enzymes transfers phosphate groups from substrate to ADP (in active site)

2) oxidative phosphorylation (major ways lots of ATP made)