Name: Joseph B.
Status: Student
Age: 16
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: August 2004
Question:
Hi, first of all I would just like to thank you for
providing such a usefull resource to all those out there a little unsure
of something. Im studying for my first set of yr12 exams and I need to
know the specific roles of ATP and ADP in cells. I know that ATP is
adenosine tri-phosphate, and ADP is adenosine di-phosphate ie. has one
less phosphate.
But does a cell break this bond between the phosphates to
release large amounts of energy? and in what situation would this be
done. does mitochondria use ADP, and in cellular respiration break down
2ATP and 2Pryuvate to add phosphates to the ADP to create ATP? sorry if
that sounds a little confusing, I hope you can help me!!
Replies:
Dear Joseph:
There are 2 other answers to similar questions from several of our expert molecular
biologists, 1 for which I actually provided some input as well:
ATP Energy - http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/mole00/mole00072.htm
ATP/ADP Energy Transports - http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/mole00/mole00417.htm
I hope that these resources are helpful in understanding your question, too, & I
apologize for the delay in responding,
NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.
