ATP

• ATP

  A nucleotide derivative, a modified form of a nucleotide
• Components of ATP

  • Adenine (a nitrogenous base)
  • Ribose (a 5 carbon sugar)
  • 3 phosphate groups
• ATP

  A small, relatively simple molecule used to power most energy requiring cellular reactions
• ATP hydrolysis reaction


  1. ATP + H₂O -> ADP + Pᵢ (+energy)

  2. Catalysed by the enzyme ATP hydrolase (uses a water molecule so it's a hydrolysis reaction)
• Energy release

  Energy is released during the hydrolysis of ATP as one of the phosphate bonds is broken
• Energy coupling

  Hydrolysis of ATP can be coupled by other reactions within cells that need energy
• Example of energy coupling

  • Transmembrane sodium-potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺ pump)
  • Energy is released from the hydrolysis of ATP
  • Energy is needed to power the pump that drives Na⁺ out of the cell and K⁺ into the cell