Biology-Adenosine Triphosphate

ATP-ADP Cycle

A lot of energy is stored in the bond between the last two phosphates. Energy is released when a phosphate group is removed. ADP is changed back into ATP when a phosphate group is added. ADP is recycled. This is a chemiosmotic process. Chemiosmosis is the movement of ions down a concentration gradient. Enzyme ATP synthase is used to add the third phosphate to ADP to make ATP using energy from the food you eat.

Summary

When ATP is broken down it releases energy for the cell to use and becomes ADP and a phosphate. ATP, ADP plus P plus energy. Because energy is given off this is an exothermic reaction. To make ATP cells must join together ADP and a phosphate using energy from food. ADP plus P plus energy is ATP. Because energy is taken in this is an endothermic reaction. Note: ATP is formed in this way during cellular respiration which we will learn more about in the next concept.

Adenosine Triphosphate/ATP

Your body needs energy to run your cells. Your body cannot directly use your food for energy. The energy you can use in the food you eat is stored in its chemical bonds. To release this energy for your body to use, those bonds have to be broken. Once energy is released, ATP carries it to be used for cell functions.

Where does the energy come from again?

carbon based molecules in your food. Remember macromolecules? Carbohydrates bread, most commonly broken down for ATP. You can get 36 ATP from 1 glucose molecule. Store 4 cal/mg. Lipids avocado or fats are broken down after carbs store 9 cal/mg. Proteins eggs least likely to be broken down for energy store 4 cal/mg