A single molecule of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a nucleotide derivative formed from ribose, adenine and three phosphate groups
ATP is the molecule cells use to carry and transfer energy. It is built from three parts: a sugar called ribose, a base called adenine, and three phosphate groups.
Formula
ATP = Adenine + Ribose + 3 Phosphate groups
Real World
Red Bull and other energy drinks cannot directly give cells ATP — the ATP your muscle cells use during a sprint is synthesised inside your own mitochondria; the drink only supplies substrate (sugar) for that synthesis.
Exam Focus
If asked to 'state' ATP's structure, list all three components — adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups — as separate marking points.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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