|
-
The diagram above shows how ATP can be broken down into a molecule
called ADP (adenosine diphosphate). Notice that ADP has two phosphate
groups instead of three, hence the name diphosphate
instead of triphosphate. Notice also that the arrows
in this reaction go both ways. This means that the reaction is reversible.
-
Just a side note. It's a common misconception that breaking the bond between the second and third phosphate group on ATP releases energy. Ultimately it does, but breaking bonds requires energy. It's the formation of bonds between the atoms in the water molecule and the ADP and phosphate molecules that releases energy. This part of the reaction releases more energy than is required to break the weakly bonded third phosphate group off the ATP molecule.
|
|
|
Introduction