1 - Water and ATP Flashcards
(14 cards)
Describe the structure of water
- Dipolar molecule
- Uneven distribution of charge
- Oxygen partially negative and hydrogen is partially positive
What are the 5 properties of water?
1) Metabolite e.g in condensation and hydrolysis reactions
2) Solvent in metabolic reactions
3) High specific heat capacity, buffering changes in temperature
4) Large latent heat of vaporisation, providing a cooling effect with loss of water through evaporation
5) String cohesion between water molecules, supporting columns of water and providing surface tension
Why is water a good solvent?
Charged molecules can dissolve in it as it is dipolar.
Why does water have a high specific heat capacity?
Requires a lot of heat energy to heat due to high amount of hydrogen bonds. Useful as the temperature of water remain stable if surrounding temperature fluctuates so organisms can always have their optimum temperature to work.
Why does water have a large latent heat of vaporisation?
Requires a lot of energy to convert water into gas due to hydrogen bonds. Advantageous as provides cooling effect when sweating.
Why is water a good metabolite?
Water is involved in many reactions such as photosynthesis, hydrolysis and condensation
Why does water have good cohesion?
Water molecules are stuck together by hydrogen bonds creating a continuous column of water in the xylem. Provides surface tension so small insects can move and live on the water
What does ATP stand for?
Adenosine Triphosphate
What is the structure of ATP?
- Adenine, nitrogenous base
- Ribose sugar
- Three inorganic phosphate groups
How is ATP made?
Condensation reaction joins ADP and Pi using ATP synthase
How is ATP hydrolysed?
ATP hydrolase breaks bond between ATP releasing ADP and Pi.
Why is ATP an immediate source if energy?
Only one bond needs to be hydrolysed to release energy
What’s phosphorylation?
The Pi released during hydrolysis of ATP can make other compounds more reactive
What are the 5 properties of ATP?
1) Release small, manageable amounts of energy so no waste
2) Small and soluble so it can be easily transported around the cell
3) Releases energy immediately as only one bind needs to be broken
4) Phosphorylates other compounds
5) ATP can’t pass out of cell so theres always an immediate supply of energy
