Energy & Life -Describe the role of ATP in cellular activities. -Explain where plants get the energy they need to produce food.

ATP = ENERGY!  One of the most important compounds that cells use to store and release energy is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP consists of adenine, the sugar ribose and 3 phosphate groups.

Storing Energy Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) has 2 phosphate groups. When a cell has energy available, it can store it by adding phosphate groups to ADP, producing ATP. ADP is like a rechargeable battery that powers the machinery of the cell.

Releasing Energy Cells can release the energy stored in ATP by breaking the bonds between the 2nd and 3rd phosphate groups.

Ways Cells Use Energy… 1. Active Transport 2. Muscle contractions 3. Power cilia/flagella 4. Make hormones/proteins

Heterotrophs Organisms that obtain food by consuming other living things are known as heterotrophs. Heterotrophs participate in CELLULAR RESPIRATION for energy production.

Autotrophs Organisms that make their own food are called autotrophs. The process autotrophs use to produce high-energy carbohydrates that can be used for food is known as photosynthesis.