ATP

• Cells require energy for 3 main types of activity:

  • synthesis
  • transport
  • movement
• ATP consists of three components: adenine (a purine base), ribose sugar, and 3 phosphate groups.
• Why is ATP known as the universal energy currency?

  It is used for energy transfer in all living organisms
• The hydrolysis of ATP releases energy by breaking the bonds between its phosphates.
• $ATP+$$H2O-->ADP+$$Pi+$$energy$ equation
• A small amount of energy is needed to break the weak bond holding the last phosphate bond in ATP
• The instability of the phosphate bonds in ATP mean it isn't a good long term energy store
• Properties of ATP:

  • small
  • water-soluble
  • releases energy in small quantities
  • easily regenerated