Q. 18.5 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Why ATP is considered an energy-rich compound?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Because of the phosphate groups that link through phosphodiester bonds, ATP is an effective energy storage molecule.

Step 1: Given information

We have to tell about ATP's rich energy compunds.

Step 2: Explanation

ATP is an effective energy storage molecule that can also be used as "money" because of the phosphate groups that join through phosphodiester bonds. Because the associated electronegative charges repel each otherbetween the phosphate groups, these bonds have a high energy.The phosphate-phosphate linkages still store a considerable amount of energy then AMP, then free inorganic phosphate groups by metabolic activities. The energetics of ATP hydrolysis to ADP are favourable, with Gibbs-free energy of -7.3 cal/mol.