ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) -
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- ATP is a nucleotide molecule.
- Adenosine is made up of adenine and ribose.
- Triphosphate stands for three phosphate groups that are attached together as well as to the ribose sugar.
- ATP is a high energy molecule and is considered as the energy currency of the cell.
- This is so because the last two phosphate bonds are highly unstable and easily broken.
- The terminal phosphate bond of ATP is hydrolyzed to produce ADP (Adenosine diphosphate) and a phosphate molecule.
- The process of formation of ATP is called phosphorylation.
- It occurs during the light reaction of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
- The energy released is used in the energy-requiring reaction of the metabolism.
- For example, the energy required for the synthesis of macromolecules, such as carbohydrates and proteins, is derived from ATP breakdown.
- ATP also supplies the energy for muscle contraction and nerve impulse conduction.
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Phosphorylation is the formation of ATP occurring during respiration.
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