The Role of ATP in

Energy Coupling
and Transfer
Q2 W1
Objectives

 1.Explain coupled reaction processes and

describe the role of ATP in energy coupling
and transfer
 2.Explain the importance of chlorophyll and
other pigments
Activity 1: ATP in Energy Coupling
and Transfer
A cell performs three main work:
1. Mechanical work includes beating of cilia, the
contraction of muscle cells, the flow of cytoplasm
within the cell and the movement of chromosomes
during cellular reproduction.
2. Transport work involves the pumping of substances
across membranes against the direction of spontaneous
movement.
3. Chemical work includes the pushing of endergonic
reactions that would not occur spontaneously, such as the
synthesis of polymers from monomers.
Hydrolysis of ATP
 The triphosphate bond of ATP is unstable and the bond
between the phosphate groups can be broken by
hydrolysis. An appreciable amount of energy is released
when one of these bonds is broken in a hydrolysis
(water-mediated breakdown) reaction. The hydrolysis
of ATP to ADP is shown in the following reaction:
COUPLED REACTION PROCESSES
 A. Endergonic and Exergonic reactions
Endergonic reactions require an input of energy. An
example of endergonic reaction in the living system is
photosynthesis. On the other hand, an exergonic
reactions releases energy. An example of exergonic
reaction is cellular respiration.
COUPLED REACTION PROCESSES
 B. Exergonic hydrolysis of ATP and Endergonic
dehydration process
Hydrolysis of ATP –It is the process of breaking
complex macromolecules. The hydrolysis of ATP
produces ADP, together with an inorganic phosphate
ion , and the release of free energy.
COUPLED REACTION PROCESSES
 Dehydration of ATP –This reaction reverse the
hydrolysis of ATP by regenerating ATP.
 This ATP regeneration requires an input of free
energy.
COUPLED REACTION PROCESSES
ATP STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Adenosine triphosphate is comprised of adenosine bound
to three phosphate groups. At the heart of ATP is a
molecule of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which is
composed of adenine molecule bonded to a ribose
molecule and to a single phosphate group. Ribose is a
five-carbon sugar found in RNA, and adenine is one of the
nucleotides in RNA. The addition of a second phosphate
group to this core molecule results in the formation of
adenosine diphosphate (ADP); the addition of the third
phosphate group forms adenosine triphosphate. The Three
phosphate groups are labeled as alpha, beta and
gamma. These chemical groups constitute an energy
powerhouse.
The bonds that link the phosphate
are equally high energy bonds
that when broken, release
sufficient energy to power a
variety of cellular reactions and
processes. These high energy
bonds are the bonds between the
second and third (beta and
gamma) and between the first
and second phosphate groups.
 The ATP cycle is like a
ATP Cycle
rechargeable battery. Breaking
off a ~P uses energy. Adding a
A P ~ P ~P
~P adds energy.
High energy bonds A P ~ P ~P
(ATP)

A P~P
(ADP)

A P
(AMP)
ATP Cycle
– Energy is released when a phosphate is removed

– Energy is added when a phosphate is added

Organisms break down organic
molecules to make ATP.
• Carbohydrates are the molecules most commonly
broken down to make ATP.
– up to 36 ATP from one glucose molecule
 Lipids store the most energy.
– 80 percent of the energy in your body
– about 146 ATP from a fat
• Proteins are least likely to be broken down to make ATP.
– amino acids not usually needed for energy
– about the same amount of energy as a carbohydrate