7.1.2 Atp as the energy currency of cells

• Photosynthesis is a chain of oxidation-reduction reactions during which carbon dioxide and water are combined to make food molecules
• In photosynthesis, energy is stored in food molecules
• Respiration is an oxidation-reduction process during which food molecules are broken down into carbon dioxide and water
• In respiration, energy is liberated from food molecules
• Photosynthesis


  1. Glucose + Oxygen

  2. Carbon dioxide + Water
• Respiration


  1. Glucose + Oxygen

  2. Carbon dioxide + Water
• Oxidation-Reduction


  Reactions in which electrons are transferred
• Figure 7.1 shows the importance of Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
• ATP


  The energy currency of cells
• Cells use energy for performing activities like synthesis of proteins, cell division and growth etc.
• Cells make ATPs to store energy while they break ATPs to get energy
• ATP molecule


  • Contains phosphate groups
  • Contains high energy bonds
  • Contains ribose
  • Contains adenine