ATP 3.1.6 (module 1)

Question 1

what is the structure of ATP?

Answer 1

• its a phosphorylated macromolecule
• adenine base
• ribose (5C sugar)
• phosphate chain containing 3 inorganic phosphate groups
• adenosine triphosphate

Question 2

how does ATP store energy?

Answer 2

• ATP stores energy within the bonds between phosphate groups (especially second and third)
• when bonds are hydrolysed energy is released

Question 3

synthesis and hydrolysis of ATP

Answer 3

• ATP can be hydrolysed to produce ADP and PI to release energy
• water and ATP hydrolyse required for hydrolysis of ATP
• condensation of ADP and Pi to form ATP required ATP synthase and water
• reversible

Question 4

why is ATP a useful source of immediate energy?

Answer 4

• ATP only releases small manageable amounts of energy each time
• phosphate can be easily removed in a single reaction
• can make other molecules more reactive by phosphorylation