
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach) Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP
Mar 27, 2025
Explore the fascinating world of ATP, the cell's energy currency! Delve into its structure and learn how it's produced through both aerobic and anaerobic pathways. Discover the mechanics of ATP hydrolysis and its vital role in processes like the sodium-potassium pump and protein phosphorylation. The episode also reveals why ATP supplements may not be effective. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to solidify their understanding of ATP's essential functions in biological systems!
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ATP Structure And Phosphate Naming
- ATP is a nucleotide composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups named alpha, beta, and gamma.
- The gamma phosphate is typically lost during ATP -> ADP reactions, making ATP structurally unstable due to packed negative charges.
Primary ATP Regeneration Pathways
- Cells regenerate ATP mainly via aerobic respiration, anaerobic glycolysis, and the phosphocreatine system.
- Aerobic respiration (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation) yields ~32 ATP per glucose.
Electron Carriers Drive ATP Yield
- NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the electron transport chain to pump protons and drive ATP synthase.
- One NADH ≈ 2.5 ATP and one FADH2 ≈ 1.5 ATP, contributing to the ~32 ATP per glucose estimate.
