Summary
Summary Unit 3.1 - Importance of ATP
- Module
- Unit 3.1 - Importance of ATP
- Institution
- WJEC
Basic introduction to the different processes of ATP formation and the structure of an ATP molecule
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
3.1 Importance of ATP Energy inside living cells is in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
There is a phosphodiester bond between the two end phosphate groups
To release energy from ATP it has to be broken down into its substrates ADP and Pi
(inorganic phosphate) in an exergonic/exothermic reaction
This breaks the phosphodiester bond releasing 30.7 kJ/mol energy per ATP molecule
Three methods of ATP production:
o Substrate level phosphorylation = ATP made directly from its substrates (ADP+Pi)
o Oxidative phosphorylation =Happens on inner mitochondrial membrane using
chemiosmosis (usually for aerobic respiration)
o Photosynthetic photophosphorylation = Happens in inner thylakoid membrane using
chemiosmosis (usually how ATP is made in photosynthesis)
ATP is used for: Muscular contraction, nerve transmission, active transport
Advantages of ATP over glucose:
o Only one enzyme is need to release energy from ATP whereas lots are needed for
glucose
o ATP only releases when and where it is needed in small amounts whereas glucose
releases lots of energy so this avoids wastage
o ATP is the universal energy currency in living organisms meaning it is recognised and
used as a source of energy in cells by all life forms and all biological processes
Process of making ATP is chemiosmosis/chemiosmotic theory proposed by Peter Mitchell
1. Hydrogen atoms carried to inner mitochondrial membrane by hydrogen carriers
2. Hydrogen atoms split into electrons and protons (or hydrogen ions)
3. Electrons give energy to pump protons into intermembrane space (active process)
4. Protons build up in intermembrane space. They try to move back through
membrane but cannot due to charge. Build up is called electrochemical gradient and
is a potential source of hidden energy
5. Protons can only move back to matrix by diffusing through channel protein in
membrane called ATPase/ATP synthetase/ATP stalked particle
6. As protons diffuse through they make ATP providing there’s a source of ADP and Pi
7. Left over electrons are taken up by oxygen which combines with protons to form
water. This process is catalysed by oxidase enzyme and oxygen would be the final
electron acceptor
The part of ATPase crossing the membrane is the Fo region and part sticking out is F1 region
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller elizashaul. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £2.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
66579 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now