1. Life’s Energy Molecule
ATP
Life’s Energy Molecule

2. ATP – Energy of the Cell
Chemical Energy = ATP
All living organisms use the same molecule for driving metabolism
Why ATP?
Small
Re-usable
High energy bonds

3. ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate
ATP – Energy of the Cell
ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate
No matter what form of energy a cell uses as its primary source, the energy is ultimately transformed and conserved as ATP.
Adenine
Ribose
2 Phosphate groups

4. ADP stands for adenosine diphosphate
ATP – Energy of the Cell
ADP stands for adenosine diphosphate
ATP is converted into ADP by breaking the bond between the second and third phosphate groups and releasing energy for cellular processes
Adenine
Ribose
2 Phosphate groups

5. ATP – Energy of the Cell
Chemical Energy = ATP
When the cell has energy available, it can store this energy by adding a phosphate group to ADP, producing ATP

6. Chemical Energy = ATP All energy is stored in the bonds of compounds
ATP – Energy of the Cell
Chemical Energy = ATP
All energy is stored in the bonds of compounds
Breaking the bond releases the energy

7. Re-usable – Re-chargeable – like a battery
ATP – Energy of the Cell
Re-usable – Re-chargeable – like a battery
Adenosine triphosphate
(Fully charged battery)
Adenosine monophosphate
(dead battery)
Adenosine diphosphate
(Half-charged battery)
The fewer phosphates, the less energy these molecules have
because they have fewer bonds from which to release energy.