Adenosine Triphosphate

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is a nucleotide derivative which is composed of three parts: Adenine (base), Ribose (sugar), and 3 phosphate groups that are labeled Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, with Alpha being the closest to the ribose and Gamma being the furthest. ATP has a cycle in which it is hydrolyzed into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate), enabling it to release energy creating an exergonic reaction, and losing the Gamma phosphate group due to its high energy bond with the Beta group. (What did the ATP molecule say when it was hydrolyzed? Adenosine: Di Phosphate!) Through processes like cellular respiration, it gains back the released energy and lost phosphate. ATP plays several critical and important roles such as active transport of macromolecules, intracellular and extracellular signaling, muscle contraction, and several others. Most importantly it boosts our immune system which can lower the chances of contracting viruses, especially during this ongoing pandemic.

Download File