What do cells require energy for?
- Synthesis (making proteins)
- Transport (active transport)
- Movement (muscle contraction)
What does ATP stand for and what is its function?
Adenosine triphosphate
Supplies energy to cells
What is the structure of ATP
An adenine base, a ribose sugar and three phosphate groups (it is a nucleotide)
How does ATP release energy?
Via a hydrolysis reaction-
ATP + Water = ADP + phosphate + energy
This only happens simultaneously with energy requiring reactions
ADP- adenosine diphosphate
How is ATP created?
Condensation reaction- phosphorylation
Reattaching a phosphate group to an ADP molecule
Why is ATP a good immediate energy source rather than long term?
Not good as long term- instability of phosphate bonds
ADP can rapidly be phosphorylated to ATP- cells do not need to store large amounts of ATP as it can be made immediately
What are the properties of ATP?
- Small (moves easily into and out of cells)
- Water soluble (energy requiring reactions in aqueous environments)
- Releases energy in small quantities (less heat wastage)
