what is ATP?

Answer 1

Based on free energy movement in a system the terms exergonic and endergonic are used to determine the direction of this free energy. An exergonic reaction will release energy from the reaction, while an endergonic reaction will absorb free energy from its surroundings.
In order for an endergonic reaction to go to completion it needs an outside source of energy. In the cell this energy source comes from the chemical compound ATP. ATP helps the cell carry on 3 main types of work. Mechanical (cell movement), chemical ( anabolism ), and transport ( pumping materials into and out of the cell ). ATP ( adenosine triphosphate) is constructed of a molecule of adenine attached to a molecule of ribose sugar which is attached to 3 phosphates.

ATP + H2O ---------------> ADP + P + G = -7.3 kcal / mol
This occurs in a test tube. In the human cell -10 / -12 kcal / mol are given off.

ATP transfers this energy to what ever it is reacting with. When the new chemical receives the P it is said to be phosporylated. Phosphorylation has occurred.

ATP is renewable. ADP + P ------------------> ATP G = + 7.3 kcal / mol (endergonic)

Answer 2

ATP is adenosine triphosphate.
It has adenosine connected to three phosphates.
The bonds joining the phosphates together are called high energy bonds.

When ATP is built by putting a phosphate onto ADP, energy is stored in the high energy bond.
When the cell needs this little bit of energy, it breaks off the last phosphate to get the energy.

Answer 3

ATP is Adenosine Triphosphate, and is the energy source of mitochondria.

Answer 4

Just an addition to what everyone else said--ATP is not JUST found in mitochondria. It is used in chloroplasts as well.

Answer 5

Energy baby