Energy and ATP

• ATP molecules consist of:

  Adenine

  Ribose

  A chain of three phosphate groups
• The bonds between the phosphate groups in ATP are unstable and easily broken. When they break, they release energy. In living cells, it is usually only the final group which is broken. This reaction is catalysed by ATP hydrolase.
• ATP can be converted to ADP to provide cells with energy.

  This is a reversible reaction and is catalysed by ATP synthase.
• Energy from ATP is used for:

  Metabolic processes

  Movement

  Active transport

  Activation of molecules