ATP Meaning and
Definition
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ATP, also known as adenosine triphosphate, is a crucial molecule that serves as the primary energy source in living organisms. It is considered the cell's "energy currency" and plays a vital role in various cellular processes.
ATP consists of three phosphate groups, a sugar molecule (ribose), and the nitrogenous base adenine. The phosphate groups are attached to the sugar molecule in a chain-like structure. The energy stored in ATP is primarily held within the high-energy bonds between the phosphate groups.
When ATP is hydrolyzed by an enzyme called ATPase, one phosphate group is removed, resulting in the release of energy. This process converts ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi). The energy released is utilized by cells to support various energy-dependent activities, including muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and synthesis of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.
To replenish ATP levels, cells utilize processes like cellular respiration, where energy from nutrients is extracted and used to reform ATP from ADP and Pi. Photosynthetic organisms also produce ATP through the process of photosynthesis.
ATP acts as a universal energy molecule across all domains of life, powering cellular activities and maintaining metabolic pathways. Its efficient and rapid energy transfer properties make it an essential component for sustaining life processes in organisms, making ATP a fundamental unit of energy in biological systems.
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Etymology of ATP
The term "ATP" in the field of biology and biochemistry is an acronym for "adenosine triphosphate". The etymology of the word goes as follows:
- "Adenosine" originates from the German scientist Albrecht Kossel, who named it in 1885. It is derived from "adenine", which is a nucleotide base, and "ose", indicating its sugar nature as a ribose.
- "Triphosphate" is composed of two components: "tri-" meaning three and "phosphate". The term "phosphate" comes from the Greek word "phosphoros", meaning "light-bringing".
Therefore, the name "adenosine triphosphate" reflects its structure, consisting of the adenosine molecule linked to three phosphate groups.
Idioms with the word ATP
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