Introduction
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level.
There are 3 Functions of ATP :
Energy Currency - ATP serves as the primary energy carrier in cells, providing the energy needed for various biological processes.
Metabolic Role - ATP is involved in numerous metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, fermentation, and maintaining blood circulation.
Cellular Functions - ATP is crucial for supporting functions like ion transport, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse propagation, highlighting its essential role in cellular activity.
Structure
The structure of ATP is a nucleoside triphosphate, consisting of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a ribose sugar, and three serially bonded phosphate groups.
How is it Used
ATP is an excellent energy storage molecule to use as "currency" due to the phosphate groups that link through phosphodiester bonds.
There are other molecules in our body which has the same energy as ATP, like Glucose, Fat, and GTP.
But ATP is unique because of it's versatile Character.
ATP is a high energy molecule because the standard free energy of hydrolysis to ADP + Pi is large and negative = -7.3 kcal/mole.
Importance of ATP moleule in metabolism
What does hydrolysis of ATP create?
Where is energy stored in ATP?
Where is ATP stored?