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How does ATP store energy?

Updated: 8/11/2023
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10y ago

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> ATP stores its energy in the in the bonds between

> the 2nd and 3rd phosphate group in the chain.

No, energy is not stored in bonds. (This is a popular misconception.) The energy is actually released when other molecules are created that have stronger bonds. More details:

Why does the misconception exist? This appears to be related to earlier instruction, perhaps in Biology classes, where molecules, such as carbohydrates, are described as a "source of energy," and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) "has strong bonds that store needed energy." While this is not strictly incorrect, it gives rise to misleading concepts. The complete picture is insufficiently emphasized and overlooked by many students.

What is the correct picture? Stable chemical bonds release energy as they form, and bond formation thermodynamically happens spontaneously. However, formation reactions often do require energy of activation to rearrange bonds and get reactions over activation barriers (which usually involves breaking bonds first before forming new ones). Stable bond formation is always exoergic.

Why do chemical bonds appear to "store" energy? They certainly "contain" energy, but energy must be added to get any energy out. Where can the energy for breaking bonds come from -- only when stronger bonds are formed instead? This is the true driving energy for biochemistry, where cellular respiration provides energy by forming the strong oxygen bonds in carbon dioxide and water, breaking the weaker bonds in carbohydrates and sugars. In photosynthesis, energy from the sun is used to break the CO2 and H2O bonds (overall), and the fairly strong O2 bond is formed as well. The larger the difference between the bond energies of the formed products (CO2 and H2O) and the reactants, the more energy is available. So, in fact, more energy is "available" when the weakest bonds are broken in favor of the stronger bonds being formed. ATP provides energy when it transfers phosphate moieties to more strongly bonded glucose or fructose phosphates.

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Q: How does ATP store energy?
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Related questions

What does ATP store?

ATP stores energy.


Where does ATP store energy?

ATP also known as Energy is stored in the Mitochondria.


What provides the cell with energy in form of ATP?

Mitochondria provides the ATP for cell.It oxidize glucose and store energy in ATP.


Why does ATP store energy for cells?

ATP does not really store energy for cells. It most likely transport it for the cells. ATP act like coenzymes so that our body can metabolize.


Function of ATP?

ATP is a form of energy storing in living cells. When a cell is receive more energy than it needs, by a series of chemical reactions, that surplus of energy is store in molecules for later use.


What is ATP and activity within the cells?

Atp store energy in its bonds. Thenit release energy when neede,


What does ATP temporarily store in a cell?

Energy .


In what form of energy do plants store?

ATP


Does ADP store more energy than ATP?

no! atp stores more! :)


Can you store ATP?

ATP is a chemical substance that the cell uses to store energy. It stores energy in its bonds. It can be recharged during cellular respiration after it has been used.


Compare and contrast ATP and ADP?

The purpose of ATP is to store energy. ATP stands for adenosine tri-phosphate, and the energy is mostly stored in the third phosphate bond. ATP is used by cells 24/7 as a form of energy. The purpose of ADP is to have to potential to store energy. ADP stands for adenosine di-phosphate, and when another phosphate is added onto the molecule it is called ATP and will store energy. When ATP releases energy the third phosphate comes off and it becomes ADP.


Why is mitochondria known as store house of energy?

atp