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

2157 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

give a possible reaction mechanism for the conversion of a haloalkane to alcohol


Why do ionisation energies typically increase upon going across a period yet decrease upon going down a group?


Give the full electron configuration for the sodium ion, Na+.


How does Le Chatelier's Principle allow you to predict the change of the position of equilibrium for an equilibrium reaction?


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