Question

1)When a phosphate is transferred from ATP, it can phosphorylate another molecule. How could this assist in allowing a protein to transport molecules against their concentration gradient?
2)What is it about the structure of ATP that contributes to its ability to act as an energy currency?

Answer 1

Answer/Explanation:

1) When phosphate is transferred from ATP, (which forms ADP and releases energy) it can phosphorylate another molecule. When this molecule is phosphorylated. It could become "energized" as it enters a higher energy state.

In this higher energy state, the protein has the energy to transfer molecules against a concentration gradient, which is an active process (requires energy).

2) Adenosine triphosphate contains three phosphate groups. The phosphate bonds are high energy. When ATP is hydrolyzed (water is added), these high energy phosphate bonds are broken and energy is released. This forms adenosine diphosphate (ADP).