ATP

                                                 ATP

                               

ATP is a high energy molecule created through the process of cellular respiration.  

How is it created?

ATP is created through two processes, photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis:

CO2 + radiant energy + H2O = C6H12O6 + O2

Carbon dioxide plus sunlight plus water equals glucose plus oxygen

Photosynthesis creates both the glucose and the oxygen needed for cellular respiration. This process happens in the chloroplast, an organelle in the plant cell.

Then, the products of photosynthesis are put into the mitochondria, where cellular respiration takes place.

Cellular Respiration:

C6H12O6 + O2 = CO2 + ATP + H2O

Glucose plus oxygen equals carbon dioxide plus adenosine triphosphate plus water

Carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) are all products of cellular respiration.  Carbon dioxide is released through breathing, where it is received by autotrophs to start the process again.

What is ATP used for?

ATP is used to power reactions by losing one of its phosphate groups, which releases energy. This converts the ATP molecule to an ADP molecule, adenosine diphosphate. We use ATP molecules throughout the day, and "recharge" them to convert them back into ATP.

The lowest level of high energy molecule is called adenosine monophosphate. This only has one phosphate group. Usually, our bodies hold ADP once we wake from sleep. This is why breakfast is important: our ADP molecules need to be recharged back into ATP.

Cites:

IB, A. "WJEC BY4: Energy And ATP". Getrevising.co.uk. N.p., 2017. Web. 24 May 2017.

"Adenosine Triphosphate". Hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu. N.p., 2017. Web. 24 May 2017.