ATP - What Is Adenosine Triphosphate - What Is ATP - Function Of ATP - Structure Of ATP

In this video we discuss what is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the function of ATP, and the structure of ATP.



ATP structure and function

Adenosine triphosphate is an important molecule in the transfer of chemical energy within cells. It is often referred to as the energy currency of a cell as it can pick up energy and transfer that energy to another chemical process.

Cells produce ATP continuously, storing small amounts of it, but generally using it immediately.

ATP is a nucleotide as it contains a 5 carbon sugar a nitrogenous base and a string of 3 phosphate groups. Its nitrogenous base is adenine, which is also part of DNA and RNA molecules, and its 5 carbon sugar is ribose, together these are referred to as adenosine. 3 phosphates are attached to adenosine to from adenosine triphosphate as you can see here.

The squiggly line between phosphate group 2 and 3 is a high energy bond. When this bond is broken during chemical reactions, energy is released to do cellular work.

When the bond between phosphate 2 and 3 is broken and energy is released, ATP becomes ADP or adenosine diphosphate and phosphate is released. The energy released is used by the cell for cellular functions. The ADP and phosphate can, with the help of energy from food, be resynthesized into ATP as you can see here in this illustration.

So, this process is similar to a rechargeable battery. You use the battery or ATP to provide energy for something, the battery drains down, the ATP breaks down, you recharge the battery, and you eat food to recharge ATP.

Timestamps
0:00 The function of ATP, Adenosine triphosphate
0:24 The structure of ATP, Adenosine triphosphate
0:50 How ATP, Adenosine triphosphate provides energy
1:14 ATP, Adenosine triphosphate is similar to a rechargeable battery