atp

Chemistry

2022

We explain what ATP is, what are some of the functions it fulfills and the importance of this organic molecule.

The ATP molecule was discovered in 1929 by the German biochemist Karl Lohmann.

What is ATP?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate or Adenosine Triphosphate) is an organic molecule of the nucleotide type. Nucleotides are organic molecules composed of a covalent bond between a nucleoside and a phosphate group (PO43-). Nucleosides, on the other hand, are organic molecules composed of a pentose-type sugar and a nitrogenous base.

Nitrogen bases are cyclic organic compounds that have two or more nitrogen atoms and constitute the DNA and the RNA. On the other hand, pentoses are simple sugars composed of five carbon atoms whose function is structural, in addition, they contain hydroxyl groups (OH–) and aldehyde (-CHO) or ketone groups (R1 (CO) R2).

So, the molecular structure of ATP is composed of an adenine molecule (nitrogen base) linked to a carbon atom of a ribose (pentose) molecule, a sugar that in turn has three phosphate ions linked to another carbon atom. This structure responds to the molecular formula C10H16N5O13P3.

ATP is produced both in plant photorespiration and in cellular respiration of animals, and is the main source of Energy for most processes and known cellular functions.

It is a compound very soluble in Water and stable in solutions aqueous with ranges of pH between 6.8 and 7.4. If the pH values ​​are more extreme, it hydrolyzes releasing a large amount of energy.

For ATP to fulfill its biological functions, it must be bound to magnesium. In this sense, ATP is found in cells by forming a complex with the Mg2 + ion. This is possible because ATP has four negatively charged groups.

This molecule was discovered in 1929 by the German biochemist Karl Lohmann in Germany, but at the same time it was discovered by Cyrus H. Fiske and Yellapragada Subbarao in the United States. Years later, in 1941, it was discovered by Fritz Albert Lipmann its function as the main energy transfer molecule of the cell.

Importance of ATP

ATP is a fundamental molecule for various vital processes, since it is the main source of energy for the synthesis of macromolecules complex, such as DNA, RNA or protein.

ATP provides the energy necessary to enable certain chemical reactions in the body. This is because it has phosphate bonds that store high energy. This energy is released through the process of hydrolysis, decomposing ATP into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (P), and also releasing a large amount of energy.

On the other hand, ATP is key in the transport of macromolecules through the cellular membrane. When transport occurs from the outside into the cell, the process is called endocytosis, and when it occurs from the inside out of the cell it is called exocytosis.

In turn, ATP allows synaptic communication between neurons, thus requiring its continuous synthesis from glucose obtained from neurons. food, and its continuous consumption by the various cellular systems of the body.

The ingestion of certain toxic elements (gases, poisons) that inhibit the processes of ATP, usually cause the death very quickly. For example: arsenic or cyanide.

Finally, ATP cannot be stored in its natural state but as part of larger compounds, such as glycogen, which can be converted into glucose, the oxidation of which produces ATP in animals. In the case of plants, starch is responsible for the energy reserve from which ATP is obtained.

Similarly, ATP can be stored in the form of animal fat, through the synthesis of fatty acids.

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