1. The three types of energy that can be stored in ATP are:
- Chemical potential energy (in the phosphate bonds)
- Electrostatic repulsion energy (between negatively charged phosphate groups)
- Free energy (available to do work when ATP is hydrolyzed)
2. When a cell needs energy, it breaks the bond between the second and third phosphate groups of ATP, releasing energy for cellular processes.
3. In this process, ATP is converted into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi).
4. In most organisms, the primary source of energy used to regenerate ATP from ADP and Pi is cellular respiration (specifically, the breakdown of glucose and other organic molecules).
5. When the energy from food is used to create ATP, “phosphate” is added to ADP to form ATP.
6. The main sources of energy that cells use to generate ATP are:
- Glucose (from carbohydrates)
- Fatty acids (from lipids)
- Amino acids (from proteins)
7. Note: ATP does not store long-term energy; it is an immediate energy carrier. Long-term energy storage molecules include glycogen and triglycerides.
8. When ATP is broken down, the released energy is used to power various cellular activities such as muscle contraction, active transport, biosynthesis, and cell division.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of putting it all together worksheet.
