ATP and ADP Definition

The source of energy for the organism is the ATP, which is required to various biological processes. When the body requires ATP to meet the requirement, that ATP is broken down to ADP where the energy released is used by us to sustain life.

There are 3 phosphate molecule and one adenine molecule which forms the ATP.

ATP to ADP Energy Release

As the ATP molecule consist of 3phosphate molecule and an adenine molecule, thus when ATP is converted to ADP, a phosphate molecule is lost in this process.

The reaction can be written as ATP → ADP + P_i

Thus, this reaction results in energy released which is used by the cells to perform the biological process. Thus, to obtain more energy foods that are rich in glucose can be administered and broken down to obtain food.

However, in absence of such condition, mechanism exist to produce energy. This is the reversal of the ATP synthesis process, which requires energy and reuses the ATP molecule.

The reaction is ADP + P_i → ATP.

Glucose and ATP

The amount of ATP required by the cells is in huge numbers, thus they are synthesized within the cell and as the cells are in millions thus, ATP synthesis is also required in huge numbers.

To synthesize ATP, glucose is required which is obtained from the food we consume and the other foods provide the raw material to synthesize ATP. Through the respiration process, glucose is metabolized and energy is produced.

Respiration and ATP Formation

Within plants and animals, through the respiration process ATP is formed. However, plant have photosynthesis through which they synthesize food. Some substrates are required for the synthesis of ATP.

Respiration process occurs in aerobic condition and requires three steps and they are Glycolysis, Kreb’s cycle and Cytochrome system.