What is Energetics?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that serves as the primary energy currency of cells. It is made up of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a sugar molecule (ribose), and three phosphate groups. The bonds between these phosphate groups are high-energy bonds, and when they are broken, energy is released that can be used by the cell for various processes.
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| The Energetics: Formation and Functions of ATP in cell. |
ATP is formed through a process called cellular respiration, which occurs in the mitochondria of cells. Cellular respiration involves a series of chemical reactions that convert glucose and other nutrients into ATP. The process occurs in three main stages:
Glycolysis: This is the first stage of cellular respiration, which occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. In this stage, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, and a small amount of ATP is produced.
Krebs cycle: This stage takes place in the mitochondria of the cell. Pyruvate is converted to acetyl-CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle generates more ATP, as well as other high-energy molecules such as NADH and FADH2.
Electron transport chain: This is the final stage of cellular respiration, which also takes place in the mitochondria. The high-energy molecules generated in the Krebs cycle are used to power the electron transport chain, which generates a large amount of ATP.
ATP has several important functions in the cell. It is used to power many cellular processes, including muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and cell division. ATP also serves as a signaling molecule, and its levels within the cell are tightly regulated.
Creatine phosphate, also known as phosphocreatine, is another high-energy molecule that is found in cells, particularly in muscle tissue. Creatine phosphate can be used to generate ATP through a process called phosphorylation. During times of high energy demand, such as during exercise, creatine phosphate can rapidly generate ATP to fuel muscle contraction.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy that the body uses to carry out basic physiological processes, such as breathing and maintaining body temperature. BMR can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, body composition, and hormonal balance. Creatine phosphate and ATP are both important components of BMR, as they are used to power these basic physiological processes.
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