HBS-Activity 3.2.6: In Search of Energy

Identity and describe the structure of and function of ATP

ATP, which stands for adenosine triphosphate, is a biomolecule formed by a purine base (adenine), a sugar molecule (ribose) and three phosphate groups. Its main function is to store energy within the cell.

Identify and describe how cells produce ATP

Glycolysis - begins glucose metabolism in all cells to produce 2 molecules of pyruvate. Occurs outside of mitochondria, usually in cytoplasm. Cellular Respiration - uses oxygen from the environment and converts each pyruvate to three molecules of carbon dioxide while trapping the energy released in this process in ATP.

Explain how ATP stores energy

In a process called cellular respiration, chemical energy in food is converted into chemical energy that the cell can use, and stores it in molecules of ATP. ... When the cell needs energy to do work, ATP loses its 3rd phosphate group, releasing energy stored in the bond that the cell can use to do work.

Describe and explain cycling of ATP and ADP

Within the power plants of the cell (mitochondria), energy is used to add one molecule of inorganic phosphate (P) to a molecule of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The amount of energy stored is about 7,300 calories for every mole of ATP formed. ... In this way, ATP and ADP are constantly being recycled.