ATP

• Adenosine Triphosphate is a nucleotide derivative and consists of ribose, adenine and three phosphate groups.
• Energy is released when ATP is hydrolysed to form ADP and a phosphate molecule. This process is catalysed by ATP hydrolase. The energy comes from the bonds between the phosphate molecules. These bonds are very unstable and thus have a low activation energy. The breaking of these is quick and release a considerable amount of energy.
• The inorganic phosphate can be used to phosphorylate other compounds, as a result making them more reactive.
• Condensation of ADP and inorganic phosphate catalysed by ATP synthase produces ATP during photosynthesis and respiration.
• Properties of ATP:

  • ATP is an immediate source of energy and is more desirable to use than glucose as ATP can be broken down in a single step to release a manageable quantity of energy.
  • ATP isn't sored in large quantities as it can easily be reformed from ADP in seconds.
  • ATP is used in a variety of different ways, these include, metabolic processes, movement, active transport, secretion and activation of molecules.