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Questions & Answers

What is ATP? Explain its structure, synthesis and function.

ATP stands for Adenosine Triphosphate.

It is commonly known as the energy currency of the cell. Cells cannot utilise food to perform any work unless it is converted to a useful form of energy by different metabolic processes.

ATP consist of 3 major components

  • Nitrogenous base i.e. adenine

  • Ribose sugar

  • 3 phosphate groups



    ATP produces energy by breakdown of bonds between phosphate groups.


    ATP synthesis takes place by the help of an enzyme known as ATP synthase that is present in the inner mitochondrial membrane. During a metabolic reaction the class of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of ATP from ADP are known as kinases and the class responsible for hydrolysis of ATP is known as phosphatases.

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