Magnesium is a bulk metal in our bodies. What is it’s main role regarding ATP?

Magnesium 2+ ions bind to (they don’t REALLY bind) and stabilize ATP molecules. The ATP (also ADP and AMP) contain highly reactive phosphates (the energy is stored in the chemical bonds between the phosphates) so Mg2+ ions interact with the lone electron pairs on the oxygens to make the molecule stable and therefore able to perform in biochemical reactions. What is commonly referred to as ATP is actually Mg-ATP.

MT
Answered by Marko T. Chemistry tutor

2346 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the effect of a catalyst in an equilibrium process?


Bethan prepared some ethoxyethane (line 6) by reacting ethanol with concentrated sulfuric acid. She used 69g of ethanol (Mr=46) and obtained a 45% yield of ethoxyethane (Mr=74). Calculate the mass of ethoxyethane obtained.


"A chromium compound contains 28.4% sodium and 32.1% chromium by mass, while the rest is oxygen. What is the empirical formula of this compound?"


Explain why the second ionisation energy of boron is higher than the first ionisation energy of boron?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning