Explain from a chemical stand point why ATP has a high phosphoryl-transfer potential. Make sure to compare ATP with its hydrolysis products, ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
icon
Related questions
Question
**ATP and Its High Phosphoryl-Transfer Potential**

From a chemical standpoint, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is renowned for its high phosphoryl-transfer potential. This potential is a measure of the ability of ATP to transfer a phosphate group to another molecule, a crucial process in energy transactions within cells.

The high phosphoryl-transfer potential of ATP can be attributed to several key factors:

1. **Structural Instability**: ATP has three phosphate groups linked in a row, which causes significant repulsion due to the negative charges. This instability makes ATP more reactive and likely to release one of its phosphate groups.

2. **Resonance Stabilization**: After ATP donates a phosphate group, the resulting products, ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate, benefit from greater resonance stabilization compared to ATP. This stabilization occurs because the electrons in the phosphate group can be more evenly distributed, lowering the energy state.

3. **Hydration**: The hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate is favored by the subsequent hydration of the products. Water molecules effectively solvate the ions, further stabilizing them and making the hydrolysis reaction more exergonic (energy-releasing).

By comparing ATP with its hydrolysis products—ADP and inorganic phosphate—the increased stability and lower energy state of the products underscore why ATP serves as a high-energy currency in biological systems.
Transcribed Image Text:**ATP and Its High Phosphoryl-Transfer Potential** From a chemical standpoint, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is renowned for its high phosphoryl-transfer potential. This potential is a measure of the ability of ATP to transfer a phosphate group to another molecule, a crucial process in energy transactions within cells. The high phosphoryl-transfer potential of ATP can be attributed to several key factors: 1. **Structural Instability**: ATP has three phosphate groups linked in a row, which causes significant repulsion due to the negative charges. This instability makes ATP more reactive and likely to release one of its phosphate groups. 2. **Resonance Stabilization**: After ATP donates a phosphate group, the resulting products, ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate, benefit from greater resonance stabilization compared to ATP. This stabilization occurs because the electrons in the phosphate group can be more evenly distributed, lowering the energy state. 3. **Hydration**: The hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate is favored by the subsequent hydration of the products. Water molecules effectively solvate the ions, further stabilizing them and making the hydrolysis reaction more exergonic (energy-releasing). By comparing ATP with its hydrolysis products—ADP and inorganic phosphate—the increased stability and lower energy state of the products underscore why ATP serves as a high-energy currency in biological systems.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON