⚡ ATP – Energy Currency of the Cell
ATP—adenosine triphosphate—is the energy currency of life. It’s made and used in nearly every major biological process, and it’s a DAT essential, especially in:
Biochemistry questions
Metabolic pathways
Active transport and enzyme function
🔬 What Is ATP?
Stands for Adenosine Triphosphate
Composed of:
Adenine (nitrogenous base)
Ribose (5-carbon sugar)
3 phosphate groups linked by high-energy bonds
🧠 Breaking the terminal phosphate releases ~7.3 kcal/mol of energy.
⚙️ How Is ATP Produced?
| Pathway | Location | ATP Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Glycolysis | Cytoplasm | 2 ATP (net) |
| Citric Acid Cycle (TCA) | Mitochondrial matrix | 2 ATP |
| Oxidative Phosphorylation | Inner mitochondrial membrane | 32–34 ATP |
| Total (Aerobic) | Entire cell | ~36–38 ATP |
✅ DAT often tests which step produces the most ATP (OxPhos).
🔄 ATP Cycle: Hydrolysis and Regeneration
ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi + Energy
Hydrolysis = exergonic (releases energy)
Regeneration via cellular respiration = endergonic
🧠 ATP is constantly recycled—each cell turns over millions of molecules per second.
📦 Where ATP Is Used on the DAT
| Process | ATP Role |
|---|---|
| Muscle contraction | Powers actin-myosin cycling |
| Na⁺/K⁺ pump | Drives ion transport across membrane |
| Synthesis of macromolecules | Builds DNA, RNA, proteins |
| Active transport | Moves substances against concentration gradient |
| Cell signaling | Phosphorylates enzymes via kinases |
✅ ATP is also a substrate for kinases in signal transduction pathways.
📈 DAT-Style Practice Question
Q: Which of the following cellular processes directly uses ATP?
A) Facilitated diffusion
B) Simple diffusion
✅ C) Active transport
D) Osmosis
🎯 DAT Strategy Tips
✅ Know ATP’s structure and energy content
✅ Be familiar with ATP yields from cellular respiration
✅ Understand where ATP is used—especially pumps, enzymes, and biosynthesis
✅ Recognize ATP as a high-energy intermediate
More breakdowns at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience
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