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?
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.
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