Question

What is the function of adenosine triphosphate?

Answer 1

Adenosine trphosphate releases energy stored in it for various metabolic reactions.

Explanation:

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy rich compound. It is formed by combing 3 phosphate groups with adenosine.

Attachment of phosphate groups with adenosine requires energy. The bonds attaching phosphate groups are therefore energy rich bonds. The maximum energy is consumed for binding phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) molecule to convert it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) .

ATP is converted into ADP molecule by detachment of phosphate group, whenever energy is needed. ADP is reconverted into ATP whenever energy is available. ATP and ADP are thus popularly called currency of energy.

The synthesis of ATP from ADP by using energy available is termed phosphorylation. Depending upon the source of energy for the synthesis of ATPs , the phosphrylation is of 2 types:

1. Oxidative phosphorylation- ATP formation utilizing energy released during oxidative reactions during respiration.

2. Photo- phosphorylation - ATP formation utilizing solar energy during photosynthesis.

Thus the function of adenosine trphosphate (ATP) is to provide energy required in certain metabolic reactions.