MadSci Network: Cell Biology |
Hi Melissa, I found a nice website that has a tutorial that explains ATP and ADP: http://www.biology-online.org/1/2_atp.htm. Here is what they have to say: ATP stands for Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, and is the energy used by an organism in its daily operations. It consists of an adenosine molecule and three inorganic phosphates. After a simple reaction breaking down ATP to ADP, the energy released from the breaking of a molecular bond is the energy we use to keep ourselves alive. ATP to ADP - Energy Release This is done by a simple process, in which one of the phosphate molecules is broken off, therefore reducing the ATP from 3 phosphates to 2, forming ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate after removing one of the phosphates {Pi}). This is commonly wrote as ADP + Pi. When the bond connecting the phosphate is broken, energy is released. While ATP is constantly being used up by the body in its biological processes, the energy supply can be bolstered by new sources of glucose being made available via eating food which is then broken down by the digestive system to smaller particles that can be utilised by the body. On top of this, ADP is built back up into ATP so that it can be used again in its more energetic state. Although this conversion requires energy, the process produces a net gain in energy, meaning that more energy is available by re-using ADP+Pi back into ATP. There are also a number of nice responses in the MAd scientist archives regarding ATP and it's role in the cell. Please try the following files: http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/dec97/875044535.Bc.r.html http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/feb2000/951174317.Bc.r.html http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/jul99/930753406.Bc.r.html http://www.gwu.edu/~mpb/ Have fun with science! Elsa
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