Question

What is the function of ATP in cell metabolism? Explain with the aid of a diagram, how its structure makes it possible.

Answer 1

Hint: ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate is the chemical compound of a ribose sugar, adenine nucleotides, and the phosphate groups. The ATP molecules are used to provide energy in the body via various metabolic processes.

Complete answer:
The ATP is a molecule that carries the energy within the cells of the living organisms. The breakdown of food molecules releases energy in our body. This energy is captured by the ATP. It is then used to carry out other metabolic processes in our body. ATP is a water-soluble compound. It has a very high amount of energy associated with it. This is mainly because of the two phosphoanhydride groups that connect the three phosphate groups with each other. The actual source of the power in the ATP molecule is its triphosphate tail. The energy that is required for the metabolic processes is contained within the phosphoanhydride bonds between the phosphate groups. This energy is released only when the bonds between the molecules are broken or the molecule is split further into simpler compounds. This can happen when the molecule of ATP is hydrolyzed. When one phosphate group is removed from the ATP molecule then ADP or Adenosine Diphosphate is formed. Subsequent removal of one more phosphate group causes the formation of AMP or Adenosine Monophosphate, and the release of energy.

Note: ATP is also known as the energy currency of the cell. This is because the molecules of ATP are synthesized by the mitochondria. This makes us call mitochondria the powerhouse of the cell very often. The molecule of ATP was discovered by Karl Lohmann in 1929. Karl was a German chemist. It was chemically synthesized by Alexander Todd in the year 1948. Alexander Todd was a Scottish biochemist.