⚡ ATP & Cellular Energy – How Cells Power Life on the DAT
You’ve probably heard of ATP being called the "energy currency" of the cell—but on the DAT, you’ll need more than that catchphrase. You’ll be tested on how ATP is made, used, and why hydrolysis releases energy.
In today’s breakdown, we’ll cover:
ATP structure
How ATP is generated
Why it releases energy
How it fuels metabolic reactions (DAT-style)
🧪 Core DAT Concepts
1. Structure of ATP
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Adenine | Nitrogenous base |
| Ribose | 5-carbon sugar |
| 3 Phosphate Groups | Linked by high-energy bonds (energy stored in last two) |
🧠 Phosphate bonds = unstable → high energy potential when broken
2. ATP Hydrolysis Reaction
ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi + Energy
Releases ~7.3 kcal/mol of energy
Drives endergonic reactions in the body
Makes non-spontaneous reactions occur via coupling
3. How ATP Is Used in the Cell
| Cellular Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Work | Muscle contraction via myosin-ATP cycle |
| Transport Work | Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase (active transport) |
| Chemical Work | Macromolecule synthesis (e.g., DNA, proteins) |
🧠 ATP powers everything from DNA synthesis to ion pumping in neurons.
4. How ATP Is Made
| Pathway | Location | ATP Output |
|---|---|---|
| Glycolysis | Cytoplasm | 2 ATP |
| Krebs Cycle | Mitochondrial matrix | 2 ATP |
| Electron Transport Chain (ETC) | Inner mitochondrial membrane | ~32–34 ATP |
✅ Total ATP per glucose = ~36–38 ATP
📈 DAT-Style Question Example
Q: What molecule is produced when ATP is hydrolyzed, and what happens to the energy?
A: ADP + Pi + energy released to drive cellular processes
✅ These questions often appear in cell bio, metabolism, or enzyme-related topics.
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