AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -ATP (Adenosine tri-phosphate) is an important molecule found in all living things. Think of it as the “energy currency” of the cell. If a cell needs to spend energy to accomplish a task, the ATP molecule splits off one of its three phosphates, becoming ADP (Adenosine di-phosphate) + phosphate.

Detailed explanation-2: -ATP contains one more phosphate group than does ADP. AMP contains one fewer phosphate group. Energy transfer used by all living things is a result of dephosphorylation of ATP by enzymes known as ATPases.

Detailed explanation-3: -ATP to ADP – Energy Release This is done by a simple process, in which one of the 2phosphate molecules is broken off, therefore reducing the ATP from 3 phosphates to 2, forming ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate after removing one of the phosphates Pi).

Detailed explanation-4: -The only difference between both molecules is the number of phosphate molecules. ATP comprises three phosphate molecules while ADP is composed of two phosphate molecules. Therefore, ATP contains more potential energy than ADP. The energy produced by ATP is obtained by breaking the bond between two phosphate groups.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most of the ATP in cells is produced by the enzyme ATP synthase, which converts ADP and phosphate to ATP. ATP synthase is located in the membrane of cellular structures called mitochondria; in plant cells, the enzyme also is found in chloroplasts.