Gytis Biochemistry

Question

Discuss what happens to ATP in a cell that is active and performing energy requiring tasks, and then enters a resting phase where it no longer performing energy requiring tasks.

Answer 1

ATP in an active cell will become hydrolyzed to ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). The energy is actually stored in the high energy phosphate bond and breaking of this bond releases lots of energy! This happens when you use ATP to couple it to a reaction that needs energy. When cells no longer require ATP, they have to work in order to prevent buildup of excess ATP. Cells will convert excess ATP to glycogen, which is stored in the muscle or liver.