AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -These three phosphate groups are linked to one another by two high-energy bonds called phosphoanhydride bonds. When one phosphate group is removed by breaking a phosphoanhydride bond in a process called hydrolysis, energy is released, and ATP is converted to adenosine diphosphate (ADP ).

Detailed explanation-2: -The ADP portion of the molecule stays the same. Adding a third phosphate group (phosphorylation) adds energy, like compressing a spring. Removing the phosphate group (hydrolysis) releases energy, like freeing a spring to uncoil.

Detailed explanation-3: -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. The energy holding that phosphate molecule is now released and available to do work for the cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -So the energy from cellular respiration is stored in the bond between the 2nd and 3rd phosphate groups of ATP. When the cell needs energy to do work, ATP loses its 3rd phosphate group, releasing energy stored in the bond that the cell can use to do work.

Detailed explanation-5: -When would a 3rd phosphate be removed from ATP? When a cell needs to perform a job.