Two important sources of energy which we will study are ATP and NADPH. These 2 energy supplies are discussed here.
*NOTE: The formation of the
energy carries discussed here are explained in the photosynthesis
and respiration web pages of this website.
ATP is the shorthand
for Adenosine TriPhosphate. ATP is formed from ADP.
ADP is the shorthand
for Adenosine DriPhosphate. ADP is a low energy molecule.
ADP is composed of:
1.
a base called adenine
2.
a sugar with 5
carbon atoms called ribose
3.
2 phosphate
groups.
In order for the molecule to become an energy carrier used by cells it
must receive another phosphate group. It then becomes ATP.
ATP is molecule is high in energy and, therefore, used in
life’s organisms to carry on their life’s functions.
ATP is
composed of:
1. a base called adenine
2. a sugar with 5 carbon atoms called ribose
3. 3 phosphate groups.
These molecules are held
together by high energy bonds.
This process of a
phosphate group being added to ADP to
become ATP is called photophosphoylation.
ATP is
used by cells for energy. When the energy is used it again become ADP.
Animation of ATP formation
ADP combines with a phosphate group to form ATP. The ATP Synthase is the enzyme used in this process.
NADPH
is shorthand for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate. NADPH is a high energy molecule.
NADH+ is
the same molecule as NADPH but is a
low energy molecule, In order to become NADPH
it must gain 1 Hydrogen atoms (proton)
and 2 electrons.
When a substance gains electrons it is said to be reduced. Therefore, NADP+ is reduced to become NADPH.
The NADPH is used in cells
for energy. When the NADPH releases its
energy it becomes NADP again.
NADPH
