What is the role of ATP in biological reactions?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The role of ATP in biological reactions is to store and provide energy. It is broken down to release energy for biological processes and then resynthesized to be used again.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), often considered the 'energy currency' of life, is a molecule that stores and releases the energy needed for various biological reactions. It does this by going through a cycle of being broken down (hydrolyzed) and built up (recharged) repeatedly.
02

ATP in Energy Transfer

In the process of hydrolysis, ATP is broken down into Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate group, releasing energy. This is where ATP's primary role in energy transfer becomes evident - ATP provides energy for biological reactions by breaking down in this manner.
03

Resynthesis of ATP

After energy has been released, ATP is recycled or resynthesized when energy from food or light (in photosynthetic organisms) is used to 'attach' another phosphate group to ADP, forming an ATP molecule once again. This ready-to-use ATP can then participate in other reactions requiring energy.

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