Adenosine Triphosphate
Adenosine Triphosphate
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) /ˌædəˈnoʊsɪn traɪˈfɒsfeɪt/ is a complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells, e.g. muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis. Found in all forms of life, ATP is often referred to as the "molecular unit of currency" of intracellular energy transfer.
Etymology
The term "Adenosine Triphosphate" is derived from the base molecule Adenosine, which is a nucleoside consisting of the nitrogenous base adenine and the sugar ribose, and the word "Triphosphate", which refers to the three phosphate groups attached to the adenosine molecule.
Structure
ATP consists of an adenosine molecule and three inorganic phosphate groups. The phosphate groups are attached to the adenosine molecule through phosphoanhydride bonds, which are high-energy bonds that release energy when hydrolyzed.
Function
ATP is the main source of energy for most cellular processes. The hydrolysis of one molecule of ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate is accompanied by the release of energy, which is used to drive endergonic reactions in cells.
Related Terms
- Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP): A molecule that, together with inorganic phosphate, is produced from the hydrolysis of ATP.
- Phosphocreatine: A molecule that serves as a rapidly mobilizable reserve of high-energy phosphates in skeletal muscle and the brain to recycle ATP.
- Mitochondria: The organelles in cells where ATP is produced during the process of oxidative phosphorylation.
- Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP in the process.
- Oxidative Phosphorylation: The metabolic pathway in which cells use enzymes to oxidize nutrients, thereby releasing energy which is used to reform ATP.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adenosine Triphosphate
- Wikipedia's article - Adenosine Triphosphate
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