Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) “universal energy molecule” It’s why we eat. Structure –Adenine, a N base –Ribose, a 5 C sugar –Chain of 3 phosphates Video: Intro. to ATP

How does ATP work? A phosphate is transferred to another molecule iP transfer is enzyme controlled Phosphorylated molecule becomes more reactive

How does ATP work? Make substrates more reactive. Make uphill, building reactions a bit more feasible Exergonic hydrolysis of iP is coupled to endergonic process.

Regeneration of ATP Amount of ATP in any cell at any moment is surprisingly small Average bacteria cell, < 5 million, only enough to sustain activity for a second or two. Human body has enough ATP “on hand” to last about 20 seconds. ATP supplies must be continually replenished (that’s why we eat, and breathe)! Video – How cyanide disrupts ATP synthesis

Cellular Respiration Process by which cells extract energy from food Literally it’s about using bond energy (electrons) to regenerate ATP May be anaerobic or aerobic

C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2  6CO 2 + 6H 2 O

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) “universal energy molecule” It’s why we eat. Structure –Adenine, a N base –Ribose, a 5 C sugar –Chain of 3 phosphates Video: more details on ATP