Module 1 - ATP Flashcards
What is the purpose of ATP?
ATP is known as the universal energy currency used in all energy-requiring reactions within the body
Describe the structure of ATP
ATP is made up of a nitrogenous base of adenine, a ribose pentose sugar and phosphate(s) group(s).
What are the 3 types of ATP nucleotides? How many phosphate groups are involved?
Adenosine monophosphate - one phosphate group
Adenosine diphosphate - two phosphate groups
Adenosine triphosphate - three phosphate groups
What is the ATP nucleotide similar too and how is it similar?
ATP is similar to RNA because it contains a ribose sugar.
What is the ATP formula for hydrolysis?
ATP + H20 —- ADP + Pi + Energy
Why is ATP described as the ‘energy currency’ molecule?
It is present in all organisms and can be used for a variety of different reasons as well as being re-used.
What enzyme is needed to hydrolyse ATP and why is this sufficient?
The enzyme ATPase/ATP hydrolase, is used to break down ATP and release energy. It is sufficient because not too much energy is produced so none is wasted but too too little is produced so metabolic reactions can be carried out.
What reactions can take place when the hydrolysis of ATP is coupled to energy-requiring reactions within the cells?
The active transport of ions up the conc gradient
Enzyme controlled reactions that require energy
Muscle concentration and muscle fibre movement
What is the name of the phosphate group that is removed after hydrolysis?
An inorganic phosphate (pi)
How much energy is released each time an inorganic phosphate is removed?
From ATP - ADP = 30.8 kj mol-1
From ADP - AMP = 30.8 kj mol-1
From AMP - A(adenosine) = 14.2 kj mol-1
How is ATP a stable molecule?
It requires a specific enzyme, ATPase, to be present in order for it to undergo hydrolysis
How can ATP be recycled?
After hydrolysed, ATP can be reformed if ADP and Pi is present and therefore be reused elsewhere in the cell for different reactions
How is ATP forming phosphorylated intermediates a key feature?
This can make metabolites more reactive and lower the activation energy required for each reaction.
How much ATP is contained in our body in a given period of time compared to how much we use? What does ATP need to do in order to meet demand?
Our body uses around 50kg of ATP in a day however, we only have around 200g of ATP contained within our body in a period of time. Therefore it is necessary for our body to produce ATP as of when we need it.
How does our body make ATP?
Our body does this by catalysing reactions between ADP and Pi using the enzyme ATP synthase.
