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ATP and ADP

Recycling a Molecule to Carry Energy

Structure

ATP.png

ATP - Adenosine Tri Phosphate is made of a nitrogen base and three phosphate molecules

  • Most of the useable energy is stored between the 2nd and 3rd Phosphate 

  • ATP is the "high energy" form of the molecule

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ADP - Adensoine Di Phosphate is the same base molecule, but with only two phosphates

  • It is the "low energy" form of the molecule

  • It can be combined with a free phosphate to make ATP (phosphorylation)

Function

ATP can transfer its energy to other molecules in the cell to do some kind of work

  • The "other" molecule becomes "high energy"

  • ATP loses its 3rd phosphate to become ADP

  • ADP will need to become phosphorylated again (respiration)

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© 2020 by Biosnacks.net. 

Disclaimer:  Some details have been simplified or completely made up in order to clarify the overall concepts.

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