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Equation
Most energy in cells is passed from endergonic to exergonic reactions
via an intermediate ATP, which is a source of potential chemical
energy, which is universal (ever organism known contains ATP).
Formation of ATP requires energy input, but hydrolysis releases
energy.
ATP + H2O ADP + Pi
The LHS reaction is hydrolysis, but RHS is condensation releasing an
inorganic phosphate.
Continual production
ATP vs Glucose
ATP can be considered a better source of energy than glucose:
An individual ATP molecule releases less energy than an individual
glucose molecule. Hence, energy is released in smaller quantities so is
more manageable and controlled than when glucose releases huge
amounts in a gush.
Also, for ATP to release energy only one reaction needs to occur
(hydrolysis of ATP to ADP). The breakdown of glucose is a long series
of reactions, so it takes longer for energy to be released; hence,
glucose is not as immediate a source as ATP.
Substrate-level phosphorylation
Occurs in P+A cells when phosphate groups are transferred from
donor molecules to ADP, to make ATP
6 uses of ATP
1. Metabolic processes
ATP provides energy needed to build up macromolecules from
basic units; e.g. polysaccharides from monosaccharaides, or
polypeptide synthesis from amino acids
2. Movement
Provides energy for muscle contraction; muscle filaments slide
past each other and shorten overall length of a muscle fibre
3. Active transport
Changes shape of carrier proteins in plasma membranes
4. Secretion
Forms lysosomes necessary for secretion
5. Activation of molecules
When a phosphate molecule is transferred from ATP, the
molecule it is transferred to becomes more reactive and has a