ATP
Adenosine triphosphate
or ATP is a universal source of energy for cells. The energy is derived from the
breakdown, or hydrolysis of the nucleotide, in the bonds between the phosphate
groups. Broken down, ATP produces ADP or adenosine diphosphate, and Pi an
inorganic phosphate group, as well as energy that can be utilized for cellular
functions (Michael D. Johnson). This process can also be reversed to recycle
the ADP into ATP by using energy from the food that we eat to reattach the
phosphate group to ADP (Michael D. Johnson).
Each molecule of
ATP is recycled somewhere between 500 to 750 times just in one day in the human
body (Adenosine triphosphate).
It is able to do this because the body keeps an uneven ratio of ATP to ADP; approximately a 1000 to 1 ratio. This uneven ratio contributes to the amount
of free energy that can be harnessed and used by the living system (Adenosine triphosphate). There are three main uses of ATP that include; the transport of
organic substances through a cell membrane, the synthesis of chemical
compounds such as protein, and the energy supply for muscle movement (Maria
I. Martos).
To conclude; ATP is a very valuable source of renewable energy for living systems. It facilitates almost every aspect of cellular function that requires energy as a coenzyme. It is often referred to as the “molecular unit of currency” part of the energy transfer process inside of a cell (Adenosine triphosphate). A title that is well deserved being as versatile and useful as ATP is to a living system.
To conclude; ATP is a very valuable source of renewable energy for living systems. It facilitates almost every aspect of cellular function that requires energy as a coenzyme. It is often referred to as the “molecular unit of currency” part of the energy transfer process inside of a cell (Adenosine triphosphate). A title that is well deserved being as versatile and useful as ATP is to a living system.
Sources
Adenosine triphosphate. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenosine_triphosphate
Accessed 2/18/13
Johnson, Michael D. Human Biology Concepts and Current Issues, Sixth
Edition. Chapter 2.1 page 46. Benjamin Cummings 2012
Martos, Maria I. Adenosine Triphosphate The Necessary
Fuel for All Body Cells An Overview. http://www.sagewoodwellness.com/Doc0002.htm Accessed 2/18/13
Part 2. Thinking About the Course
1.
The assignment or activity that I performed in this unit that
I am the most proud of is the What Molecule/ DNA Extraction Lab because even though
it was confusing for me, I did end up completing it correctly.
2.
What I now understand best about the information in this
unit is how the cell uses ATP for energy.
3.
The actions that I took to enhance learning or enjoyment
of the material was mostly not expecting
myself to understand the material the
first time I read it and giving myself time “get it” without getting frustrated.
4.
I felt the most connected with the course only after
completing each assignment or quiz, each completed part seems to add a piece to
the puzzle. I definitely felt the most distanced from the course upon the
introduction of each new concept.
5.
To help my understanding or enjoy the materials my
instructor could look into what is causing the buzzing noise in the background
of the video presentations, it drives me crazy.
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