MODULE 1: ADP-ATP CYCLE

STEM 12-

GENERAL BIOLOGY 1
MS. JADE LOUISE SUSI
 Unit 3: Energy in living systems
Module 1: METABOLIC REACTIONS AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS

(THE ATP-ADP CYCLE)

Overview: No cell can survive without ATP/Adenosine Triphosphate. Without this energy
producing molecule, we could not have developed from a fertilized egg into a more complex
organism. We won’t be able to perform significant processes such as breathing, chewing, walking
and our blood won’t even be circulating. Without ATP, plants won’t be able to grow. Fungus won’t
be able to produce mushrooms and a bacterial cell won’t be able to divide or move. In other words,
just like a machine/ a car, a cell without ATP will not be functional and will simply die.

"ATP is known to be the fuel of life” therefore is the most important source of chemical and mechanical
energy in living systems. These molecules are produced in the mitochondria, tiny organelles found
in eukaryotic cells sometimes called the “powerhouse” of the cell. This compound can be used to
fill any energy needed by the cell. Let us explore this module to know how.

Module 1:
TOPIC/ LESSON NAME ● METABOLIC REACTIONS AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS
(ATP-ADP CYCLE)

CONTENT
The learners demonstrate an understanding of:
STANDARDS ● ATP-ADP CYCLE

PERFORMANCE
The learners shall be able to:
STANDARDS ●
At the end of this module, the learners can:
● Describe how energy is stored in a molecule of ATP
● Explain coupled reaction processes and describe the role of ATP
in energy coupling and transfer.
SPECIFIC LEARNING ● Describe how cells use ATP to drive energetically unfavorable
OUTCOMES reactions.
● Explain major functions of ATP
● Explain the concept of metabolism
● Calculate body mass index and body metabolic rate.
● Design a nutrition plan/ diet plan based on computed BMI and
BMR
TIME ALLOTMENT
1 week
General Biology 1 by Belardo et. Al (Vibal)
RESOURCES General Biology SHS series by Ayuste et. Al (Diwa)
General Biology 1- K to 12 based by Faltado et. Al

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MODULE 1: ATP-ADP CYCLE

What activities do you usually perform? Can you identify some?

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All these activities require the expenditure of energy. All processes that your body undergoes
requires the use of energy. This can only be made possible by the cell’s production of energy
through the so-called utilization of ATP.

Living things depend on energy. To be more specific,cells depend

on energy to perform their functions. Though, a living cell couldn’t
store very large amounts of free energy for this could result in an
increase of heat in the cell and in return, excessive thermal motion
that could possibly damage and destroy the cell. For this reason, a
cell must have ATPs on it which could safely handle/store energy and
release it for use as needed. Adenosine Triphosphate is an important
compound known to be the energy currency of the cell. It is the cell’s battery. It controls the
amount and timing of energy to be used and release within the cells. It is vital for most chemical
reactions to occur, some of which are done to replace lost molecules. In this module you will learn
more on what ATP can do and how important it is to living entities.

LET US EXPLORE THE ENERGY-RELEASING MOLECULE NECESSARY FOR LIFE – THE

ATP
WATCH THIS SHORT CLIP ☺

Before proceeding with more complex topics on ATP and ADP,

let us first determine WHAT ATP IS. Be able to gain access on
the clip from the given link below or check your schoology
account for attached clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23ZzI6WZS28

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Reminder: This is only an outline of this week’s lesson, detailed explanation had
been given during our synchronous session.

ATP-ADP CYCLE

The secret behind the power of ATP lies in the breaking of

chemical bond between second and third phosphate groups.
When this happens, large amount of energy is released.

THE STRUCTURE OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE (ATP)

• ATP is comprised of adenosine bound to three phosphate groups.

• At the heart of ATP is a molecule of AMP (Adenosine monophosphate) which is composed
of an adenine molecule bonded to a ribose molecule and to a single phosphate group.
• Ribose is a 5- carbon sugar found in RNA and adenine is one of the nucleotides in RNA.
• The addition of a second phosphate group to this core molecule results in the formation
of adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
• The addition of a third phosphate group forms adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• The three phosphate groups in order to the furthest from ribose sugar are labeled alpha
beta and gamma which altogether constitute an energy powerhouse.

The structure of ATP

• Phosphoanhydride bonds
- bond between second and third phosphate groups as well as bond in between first
and second phosphate groups.
- are high energy bonds

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ENERGY HARVESTED FROM ATP

Hydrolysis- process of breaking complex macromolecules apart through the splitting of water
molecule resulting to a hydroxyl group added to the detached phosphate group and a hydrogen
atom.

HYDROLYSIS OF ATP (process had been explained in detail through discussion)

The hydrolysis of ATP produces ADP together with an inorganic phosphate ion (Pi) and the
release of free energy.

ATP + H20 → ADP + Pi + free energy

The hydrolysis of ATP to ADP is reversible. Cells rely on regeneration of ATP just as people rely
on regeneration of spent money through an income.

When ATP is regenerated, third phosphate group is reattached.

In contrast to ATP hydrolysis which release energy, ATP
regulation (regeneration) requires an input of free energy. Below
is an equation showing the regeneration of ATP.

ADP + Pi + free energy → ATP + H20

To carry out life processes, ATP is continuously broken down

into ADP and like a rechargeable battery, ADP is continuously
regenerated into ATP. The water which was broken down into hydrogen atom and hydroxyl group
during ATP hydrolysis, therefore, is also regenerated once ATP is reformed.

Since it is much obvious that energy must be fused into the system to regenerate ATP, where
does the energy come from? It comes from metabolism of glucose molecules. Energy from
cellular respiration is used to convert ADP back to ATP.

Note: Glucose is basically a monosaccharide or a simple sugar having a chemical formula

C6H12O6.

HOW MUCH ENERGY IS PRODUCED UNDER STANDARD CELLULAR

CONDITIONS PER HYDROLYSIS OF ATP?

7.3- to 10 kcal/mol similar to the energy you get from a single peanut.

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USE OF ATPase and ATP synthase
• ATPase- Linked with the breakdown of ATP to ADP. This enzyme helps split bonds of
phosphate groups thus release energy (from the bonds).
• ATP synthase- Used to form/synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

ENDERGONIC AND EXERGONIC REACTION

Reactions may be categorized according to energy gain or loss.

Endergonic reaction
Energy is the basic requirement for an endergonic chemical reaction to commence.
The reaction continues to absorb energy throughout the process allowing products to be
at higher energy level than the reactants.
Non-spontaneous
Example: ATP Regeneration, Phosphorylation of Glucose
Other examples of endergonic reactions in living systems:

Photosynthesis Muscle contraction

Exergonic reactions
are favorable chemical reactions where in products are at lower energy level than
reactants.
Example: Hydrolysis of ATP

GIBBS ENERGY
Previously known as “free” energy.
was developed in the 1870’s by Josiah Willard Gibbs.
Free energy
the measure of the amount of usable energy (energy that can do work) in system.
is the maximum amount of energy which can be “freed” from the system to perform useful
work.
ΔG- change in free energy of a system as it goes from some initial state, such as all
reactants, to some other, final state, such as all products.

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Reactions with a negative ∆G release energy and they proceed without an energy input
therefore are considered spontaneous while reactions with a positive ∆G need an input of
energy to initiate the reaction and keep it going thus are considered non-spontaneous.

Endergonic and exergonic reactions in relation to free energy (Gibbs energy)

ATP to ADP (exergonic reaction)

- negative ∆G (releases free energy)
- spontaneous reaction
ADP to ATP (endergonic reaction)
- positive ∆G (∆G > 0) (system absorbs energy)
- non-spontaneous

COUPLED REACTION
Even without activity requiring energy, ATP breaks down into ADP and inorganic phosphate since it is a
highly unstable molecule. This energy is produced as free energy and some are lost in form of heat. But
cells harness free energy within bonds through a strategy known as energy coupling.

An example of coupled reaction (phosphorylation of glucose into glucose-6-phosphate)

ATP is linked to a process known as coupled reactions.

All chemical reactions either give off (exergonic) or take in (endergonic) energy. In a
coupled reaction, an exothermic reaction supplies the energy needed to drive an
endothermic reaction.
A coupled reaction happens when freed energy from an exergonic reaction is utilized to
initiate an endergonic reaction by “joining” two reactions where they become
complementary.
It means that the two reactions occur at the same time and at the same place, usually
utilizing the same enzyme complex.

Example in living systems: In plants where by the help of sunlight

(exothermic reaction), high energy glucose molecules are
synthesized (endothermic reaction) from CO2 and H20

Hydrolysis of ATP is usually involved in coupled reactions

with numerous biochemical processes such as
phosphorylation of glucose.

PHOSPHORYLATION
The process of adding phosphate group to a biomolecule such as glucose.
Phosphorylation creates a high-energy but unstable intermediate. As process continues,
phosphate group slightly changes in shape to fit the enzymes which then transform the
phosphorylated glucose to fructose molecule. The conversion of these sugars is important
because glycolysis needs the fructose to produce energy.
The hydrolysis of ATP is an exergonic reaction because it releases energy which will then
be used for an endergonic reaction such as phosphorylation of glucose. (detailed
discussion during synchronous session)

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 Example: Phosphorylation of Glucose to Glucose-6-phosphate (reaction coupling
process) (detailed discussion during synchronous session)
- Process where ATP is utilized as substrate and ADP is one of the products.

Phosphorylation of Glucose to Glucose-6-phosphate (reaction coupling process)

CATABOLISM AND ANABOLISM

• are a two types of metabolism
• Metabolism- a series of chemical reactions in the body the converts food into energy.
• Catabolism- are broken down to release energy where energy may be stored for later
use or used immediately.
• Anabolism- “building substances in body” while consuming energy to allow building
processes to proceed.

COUPLED REACTIONS AS APPLIED TO CATABOLIC AND ANABOLIC REACTIONS

Usually happens in anabolic and catabolic processes involving same molecules.

ANABOLIC REACTIONS CATABOLIC REACTIONS

Endergonic reactions since energy is needed Exergonic reactions since free energy is
for the process to proceed released from break down of molecules

Energy coupling
The combination of anabolic and catabolic reactions where anabolic reactions capture energy
released from catabolic reactions. Anabolism works to synthesize complex molecules which is
initiated by energy released through catabolism. Biomolecules usually undergo anabolic
processes from simpler molecules thus simple molecules can come out as products of
catabolic reactions. The more complex the molecule is the higher its energy content as
compared to its precursors.
ANABOLIC HORMONES CATABOLIC HORMONES
growth hormone, testosterone and estrogen. adrenaline, cortisol and glucagon

THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM

Used to maintain balance in anabolism and catabolism reactions.

Maintains regular/patterned process in body within 24-hr cycle.
Circadian rhythm is disrupted when organism changes certain habits or lifestyles such as
sleeping at 2 am or eating at 2 pm.
In this case, glucose metabolism for instance, fluctuates catching up to a person’s need for
energy.

Have you ever experienced sleeping at

around 3-4 am just to finish a task? What
internal changes have you experienced?

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THREE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF ATP

chemical work mechanical work transport work

ATP IN REAL LIFE

DID YOU KNOW?

ATP molecules have vital functions in your metabolism. One way

to maximize your ATP output is to have healthy food in your
diet because food helps in production and maintenance of ATP
molecules in body.

METABOLISM THROUGH ATP

METABOLISM IN HETEROTROPHS

Heterotrophs obtain energy from other sources where as food is the actual source of ATP.
Digestive system breaks down food into smaller molecules and these smaller units are
absorbed into bloodstream and transported into cells. Cells use these molecules to
convert ADP molecules into ATP to build and strengthen structures.

HOW SUBSTANCES TRIGGER ATP PRODUCTION IN BODY

Carbohydrates is known as the primary

source of energy for animals, primarily
glucose (monomer of carbohydrates) is
considered the body’s fuel. As these
substances are being digested, they are
being converted to glucose molecules
(monosaccharides)and into energy by CARBOHYDRATES
series of catabolic chemical reactions
depending on the amount of physical
work to be done. Meanwhile, excess
ATP and glucose are converted into
glycogen and is stored for later use.

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FATS

Fats are great source of

energy and has varied
significance. But one
main problem in fat
consumption is we tend
to consume more bad FATS
fats as compared to
good ones. These
saturated bad fats are
being stored
immediately rather than
getting used up. Good
fats contain unsaturated triglycerides which allows then to be broken down much easier compared
to bad fats. What are some sources of good fats that you know?

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

What types of food have you eaten lately? How have they been contributing to your body’s
need for energy?

Clearly, our food consumption is mainly required for ATP production. However, as the dishes become more
palatable, we are enticed to eat more than we should which leads most of our ATP sources to be stored in
adipose tissues for later use. Furthermore, problem starts when no additional energy is needed. This leads
to the accumulation of more adipose tissues which may further lead to the so-called obesity without us not
even knowing. How do you prevent this?

Take note of your Body Mass Index (BMI) which refers to your body’s proportion in terms of weight
and height.

𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
BMI= (ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑡)2

Though BMI doesn’t measure our body’s amount of fat, studies and researches have shown that
it could be an indicator for certain metabolic and disease outcomes. Determining one’s BMI is a

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good method of screening for several weight categories. Note that this may be used to determine
if changes in eating habits and lifestyle should be made.

Body mass index Category

Less than 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Normal
25-29.9 Overweight
30 or 34.9 Obese
35 above Extremely obese

Sample problem:
Calculate the BMI of Cheska who has a height of 1.63 m and a weight of 67.5 kg.
(Calculation will be explained in detail during discussion)

Considering the woman’s BMI scale which falls under an overweight scale of 25-29.9, certain
eating habits should be changed to move back to the normal range.

High BMI doesn’t only affect body’s physical structure but also the body’s tendency to acquire
health problems and therefore get sick. Accumulation of saturated fats in the body may lead to
clogging of blood vessels. The hindrance in flow of blood can cause health problems such as
circulatory problems. Furthermore, this is also the reason why most obese and overweight
individuals are warned of their tendency to acquire cardiovascular diseases.

BASAL METABOLIC RATE (BMR)

the minimum amount of energy, usually in form of calories, which your body requires to
complete its normal functions in 24-hrs.
Formula for BMR:

BMR for men = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + 5

BMR for women = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) – 161

The difference in BMI formula (between males and females) is due to corresponding body mass
differences.

Sample problem: Illustrate a 20-year old female’s BMR if:

Height= 1.63 m
Weight= 67.5 kg
(Calculation will be presented during discussion)

If the BMR of the individual is 1433, this means that the minimum amount of calories that she
should maintain for her daily food consumption is 1433 calories. Note that this amount should be
distributed in her meals all throughout the day. Since BMR refers to the minimum number of
calories required for a body to perform basic functions at rest, this doesn’t include the number
of calories you need when you perform more active activities which requires higher amount of
energy such as walking, talking, performing exercises or even going to the gym. In calculating
for your minimum caloric intake (which will be used in creating/designing your meal plan), you’ll
have to multiply your BMR by a factor that represents your estimated energy level (Total Daily
Energy Expenditure/TDEE). Below is a list which you may use for conversion.

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 ✓ If you are sedentary (little or no exercise)
Calories Per Day = BMR x 1.2
✓ If you are lightly active (light exercise or sports 1-3 days/week)
Calories Per Day = BMR x 1.375
✓ If you are moderately active (moderate exercise 3-5 days/week)
Calories Per Day = BMR x 1.55
✓ If you are very active (hard exercise 6-7 days/week)
Calories Per Day = BMR x 1.725
✓ If you are super active (very hard exercise and a physical job)
Calories Per Day = BMR x 1.9

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