The Energy Currency of Living Organisms ATP The Energy Currency of Living Organisms

Objectives Understand the molecule ATP

Expected outcome Describe the structure of ATP Explain how ATP is broken down and synthesised Explain why ATP is known as the universal energy currency

Why do organisms need energy?

Why do organisms need energy? Metabolism- chemical reactions Active transport- moving ions and molecules against a concentration gradient Movement- within an organism and locomotion Cell division- division, maintenance and repair of organelles Synthesis of molecules- e.g. enzymes and hormones Maintaining body temperature- in birds and mammals (endotherms), replacing heat lost to the environment.

The energy comes from ATP Adenosine Triphosphate 3 components; Adenine Ribose 3 Phosphate groups

ATP Molecule

How ATP produces energy The breakdown of ATP releases the energy that living organisms require.

ATP Breakdown Hydrolysis H2O 30Kj Pi Pi Pi Adenosine Adenosine diphosphate ADP H2O

Recycling ATP Hydrolysis Condensation ATP ADP Pi Energy Release to Cells Hydrolysis ATP ADP Pi Condensation Energy from respiration http://www.biologyinmotion.com/atp/index.html

Roles Metabolism Synthesis e.g. Polysaccharides Amino acids DNA/RNA Movement Muscle contraction Energy to allow muscle filaments to slide

Roles Active Transport Changes the shape of carrier proteins Secretion Forms the lysosomes necessary for exocytosis Chemical Reactions A phosphate molecule from ATP can be transferred to another molecule Makes it more reactive Lowers activation energy

The Universal Energy Currency ATP is a universal energy currency What does this mean? What is the significance?

The Universal Energy Currency What does this mean? Common intermediate in many reactions Links energy requiring and energy producing reactions What is the significance? It is universal with all living things Easily participates in many reactions Drives most biological processes One molecule can be synthesised and perform a large number of jobs Only one system is used to deliver to many reactions

1. Create a poster on A4 paper to advertise ATP- your new “energy” currency Include: A description of the molecule An explanation of how it works The advantageous features of the molecule You will also gain marks for creativity and organization