What is ATP and why do we need it?

ATP is short for adenosine triphosphate, and it can be thought of as the energy 'currency' in our cells. It has a similar structure to that of an RNA nucleotide, as it is comprised of a nitrogenous base (adenine) and a pentose sugar (ribose). However, ATP has three phosphate groups attached to it opposed to just the one that is present in nucleotide molecules. Hydrolysis (splitting with water) of the ATP molecule splits the bond between two of the phosphate groups, forming ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and a phosphate group (Pi). The phosphate to phosphate bond that is broken is a high energy bond, so it can be used to help give energy to different energy-requiring processes within the cell. Using ATP, opposed to glucose for energy-requiring processes, releases energy in smaller, more manageable amounts. Using all of the energy stored in glucose would otherwise release much more energy than is needed for the vast majority of the processes in our cells.

Answered by Tutor79992 D. Biology tutor

14001 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the processes involved in protein production within a cell


Describe how a gene is used to synthesise a polypeptide


Use your knowledge of the actin and myosin mechanism of muscle contraction to explain how a vesicle might be "walked" along the cytoskeleton of a cell.


Describe and explain how an action potential is generated


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences