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What Are Energy Giving Molecules

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Leodelyn Tuganan
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13 views5 pages

What Are Energy Giving Molecules

bagag

Uploaded by

Leodelyn Tuganan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What are energy giving

molecules?
The main energy-giving molecule in cells is adenosine
triphosphate (ATP), which stores and provides the
energy needed for cellular activities. Cells derive this
energy by breaking down nutrient molecules, such as
glucose, through processes like cellular respiration.
Other energy-carrying molecules include nucleotide
triphosphates like GTP and UTP, which are similar to
ATP and facilitate energy transfer within cells.

Two important energy


carrying molecules
Two of the most important energy-carrying molecules
are glucose and adenosine triphosphate, commonly
referred to as ATP. These are nearly universal fuels
throughout the living world and are both key players in
photosynthesis, as shown below.

The changes form from


apt to adp
The process of ATP becoming ADP is called hydrolysis,
where a water molecule is used to break the high-
energy bond between the second and third phosphate
groups of ATP, releasing the third phosphate (as
inorganic phosphate) and a significant amount of free
energy for cellular work. This exergonic reaction can be
summarized by the equation: ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pi +
free energy.
Here are the steps involved in the ATP to ADP
conversion:
Hydrolysis: A water molecule (H₂O) interacts with the
ATP molecule.
Bond Breaking: The high-energy bond connecting the
terminal (third) phosphate group to the second
phosphate group is broken.
Phosphate Release: The terminal phosphate group is
released as an inorganic phosphate (Pi).
Energy Release: The breaking of this bond releases free
energy, which is then used by the cell for various
processes like muscle contraction, active transport, or
biosynthesis.
ADP Formation: The molecule that remains is adenosine
diphosphate (ADP), which has two phosphate groups.
The overall reaction is: ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pi + Energy .
The release of energy
from atp
Energy is released from ATP when the high-energy bond
of its outermost phosphate group is broken via a
process called hydrolysis, where a water molecule is
used to cleave the bond. This converts Adenosine
Triphosphate (ATP) into Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)
and an inorganic phosphate group (Pi), making the
energy available to power cellular activities and
processes.
The Process of ATP Hydrolysis
Chemical Reaction: ATP is a molecule composed of
adenine, ribose, and a chain of three phosphate groups.
Bond Breaking: A water molecule is used to break the
chemical bond between the second and third
phosphate groups.
Products: This reaction produces Adenosine
Diphosphate (ADP) and a free inorganic phosphate
group (Pi).
Energy Release: The breaking of this bond releases the
chemical energy stored within it.
How the Energy is Used
Powering Cellular Work: The released energy is
harnessed by the cell to drive various endergonic
(energy-requiring) processes, such as muscle
contraction, active transport of molecules, and the
synthesis of larger molecules.
Phosphorylation: In some cases, the energy is used to
transfer the phosphate group from ATP to another
molecule, a process called phosphorylation. This makes
the recipient molecule unstable and more reactive,
helping it to perform its function or participate in a
reaction.
ATP Cycle: This process creates a continuous cycle
where ADP is regenerated into ATP by the reattachment
of a third phosphate group, using energy derived from
the breakdown of glucose and other fuel molecules.
In essence, ATP acts like a rechargeable battery, storing
energy in its phosphate bonds and releasing it when
needed to power the essential functions of life.

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