• Question: How do organisms use Adenosine Triphosphate?

    Asked by to Amy, Anita, Daryl, Nimesh, Sandra on 19 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Amy Monaghan

      Amy Monaghan answered on 19 Jun 2014:

      Hey Swagbenhacene

      This feels a little bit like a test! I’m pretty sure this was on my A-level biology exam back in 2009!

      Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP is as the name suggests made up of adenosine and three phosphate groups. It is the main substrate used for all cells for energy. It is made by the process of respiration, where oxygen and glucose react to release carbon dioxide and water. Some bacteria and other cells can use anaerobic respiration to produce energy – this process doesn’t require oxygen.

      It is used by the cell for any process that requires energy. Usually a phosphate is removed to create Adenosine DIphosphate (ADP). This process can be repeated again for more energy to create Adenosine MONOphosphate (AMP). Energy is required to build all cellular molecules, including DNA, RNA and proteins. It is also required to move these around the cell, and maintain the structure of cells so we don’t all turn into floppy goo.

      ATP is also required for cell movement, including movements such as contracting your muscles to lift your arm, blink, digest food or make your heart beat. It can also be used as a “signalling molecule”. This is a chemical message that tells a switch (or receptor) in your body to turn on or off. These switches help to control all your body processes, including developing memories and fighting infection.

      I hope this helps!
      Amy

    • Photo: Anita Thomas

      Anita Thomas answered on 20 Jun 2014:

      ATP is the stuff of life! If you were an enzyme and you wanted to do your job, then it’s quite likely that you would need to ‘eat’ some ATP and use it’s energy to help you in your task!

      Amy has written a such a good answer – didn’t leave much for the rest of us, other than trying the personal view.

      Think of ATP for the cell as the blood in our bodies for us, or the air that we breathe. We wouldn’t go far without it!

      Cheers,
      Anita.

    • Photo: Daryl Jones

      Daryl Jones answered on 27 Jun 2014:

      Hey swagbenhacene!

      Amy did a good job of answering this, so instead, I’ll just tell you about a drug that can STOP the process of using ATP… It’s a very poisonous one called cyanide. It basically stops ATP from being metabolised, and so our body runs out of energy very quickly, and we simply die! It’s extremely fast acting and very potent, only a small amount is needed to use up all the ATP in our bodies! Crazy!!

      Hope you have a great day! 🙂
      Daryl

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