Question

What part of ATP makes it an unstable molecule? Explain. In order to turn ADP back...

What part of ATP makes it an unstable molecule? Explain.

In order to turn ADP back into ATP, energy must be added back into the ATP cycle. How is this achieved?

Homework Answers

Answer #1

ATP molecule contains 3 phosphate groups which are unstable due to three adjacent negative charges in its phosphate tail. The bonds between the phosphate groups are called phosphoanhydride bonds, Entropy of ATP is lower hence it will want to give away its phosphate groups, when given the chance, in order to become a more stable molecule. Also, Resonance stabilization of ADP and of Pi is greater than that of ATP.

The ATP molecule is just like a rechargeable battery. When the cell has extra energy, it stores that energy by reattaching a free phosphate molecule to ADP, turning it back into ATP.

Know the answer?
Your Answer:

Post as a guest

Your Name:

What's your source?

Earn Coins

Coins can be redeemed for fabulous gifts.

Not the answer you're looking for?
Ask your own homework help question
Similar Questions
In order for the ceiling fan in your bedroom to turn, some fuel is burned back...
In order for the ceiling fan in your bedroom to turn, some fuel is burned back at an electric power plant to create steam. Starting with that use the concepts of electromagnetism to explain how electricity is created at the power plant, how that electricity is transmitted efficiently over power lines, how it is then transmitted safely to your home, and finally how it causes the rotation of the fan’s blades.
1a) Explain what effect an accumulation of ADP has on the citric acid cycle? How is...
1a) Explain what effect an accumulation of ADP has on the citric acid cycle? How is this linked to the oxidative phosphorylation pathway? b) Explain the effect of excess NADH on the CAC and how this is linked to the oxidative phosphorylation pathway? 2) Although oxygen does not participate directly in the citric acid cycle, the cycle operates only when oxygen is present. Is this also true with beta-oxidation? With glycolysis? Explain each of your answers.
The molecular process that makes muscle contraction possible is that ATP binds to myosin, which releases...
The molecular process that makes muscle contraction possible is that ATP binds to myosin, which releases the energy needed to make the muscle contract. In this problem, we will examine the quantities of energy involved in this process. Part 1 The reaction of ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by myosin (M) occurs in several steps*: M + ATP → M·ATP M·ATP → M·ADP·Pi M·ADP·Pi → M·ADP + Pi (aq) M·ADP → M + ADP * T. Kodama & R.C. Woledge, "Enthalpy Changes...
What are the end products of the TCA cycle? Explain how ATP is generated in the...
What are the end products of the TCA cycle? Explain how ATP is generated in the Electron Transport Chain.
For the following questions (4-6), make a diagram summarizing the main steps in cellular respiration (glycolysis,...
For the following questions (4-6), make a diagram summarizing the main steps in cellular respiration (glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, chemiosmosis, fermentation) indicating the inputs and outputs of each process. This diagram will help you answer the questions. 1- Based at the diagram you drew, answer the following questions: A) How much energy is harvested in glycolysis (use ATP and potential ATPs as metric)? B) When is the oxidation of the glucose molecule completed? Explain what indicated...
1. How many ATP are made in the citric acid for each Acetyl COA? 2. What...
1. How many ATP are made in the citric acid for each Acetyl COA? 2. What happens to glucose at the end of oxidation in the Citric Acid Cycle? 3. If a mutation deletes a mRNA what is the result? 4. When an enzyme accelerates a reaction rate, what does the enzyme do, thermodynamically (energy-wise)? 5. What is the location on an enzyme where the reactants bind called? 6. When an enzyme runs a reaction, what happens to the enzyme...
Chloroplasts are        a. the sites of photosynthesis for eukaryotic cells b. the sites of photosynthesis for...
Chloroplasts are        a. the sites of photosynthesis for eukaryotic cells b. the sites of photosynthesis for prokaryotic cells        c. the sites of protein synthesis d. the sites of ATP synthesis in eukaryotic cells              e. (a) and (b) The nucleus of a cell              a. holds the code for protein synthesis b. is the site of ATP synthesis                  c. is the site of photosynthesis for eukaryotic cells d. is the carrier for most of the hereditary information for eukaryotic cells e....
2. Rank the following in order of increasing pKa. Explain your reasoning behind the order you...
2. Rank the following in order of increasing pKa. Explain your reasoning behind the order you choose. propanoic acid             dichloracetic acid        acetic acid       chloroacetic acid         propanamide 3. Calculate the pH of a buffer solution made from 0.20 M HC2H3O2 and 0.50 M C2H3O2- that has an acid dissociation constant for HC2H3O2 of 1.8 x 10-5. 4. What is the ratio of [bicarbonate]/[carbonic acid] at the blood pH = 7.4? (The pKa of carbonic acid = 6.4) 5. How many moles...
1 In the absence of oxygen, cells consume glucose at a high, steady rate. When oxygen...
1 In the absence of oxygen, cells consume glucose at a high, steady rate. When oxygen is added, glucose consumption drops precipitously and is then maintained at the lower rate. Why is glucose consumed at a high rate in the absence of oxygen and at a low rate in its presence? 2 In the following diagram showing the distribution of thermal energy in a population of substrate molecules, the energy thresholds indicated by numbers represent ... Energy per molecule Number...
Snell's Law and the Law of Reflection explain how light is redirected when it encounters a...
Snell's Law and the Law of Reflection explain how light is redirected when it encounters a surface between two media. In the extreme, light may only reflect at a boundary, and go back into the medium it was in. More often, some of it reflects and some goes through. If the boundary is plane and flat, then these laws are easy to interpret. When the boundary is curved, they describe happens at every point on the surface. One of the...