Hire a tutor

What is the role of ATP in cellular respiration?

ATP serves as the main energy currency in cellular respiration, storing and transferring energy for various cellular activities.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) plays a crucial role in the process of cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells generate energy. ATP is often referred to as the 'energy currency' of the cell because it acts as a storage unit for energy. This energy is used to drive various cellular activities, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis.

Cellular respiration is a series of metabolic processes and reactions that take place in the cells of organisms. It involves three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. ATP is involved in each of these stages, either being used or produced.

In the first stage, glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP. This process does not require oxygen and occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. The ATP produced here is used to fuel the next stages of cellular respiration.

The second stage, the Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondria. Here, the pyruvate is further broken down, and more ATP is produced. This stage also generates high-energy electrons, which are carried by molecules called NADH and FADH2 to the next stage.

The final stage, the electron transport chain, is where the majority of ATP is produced. This stage also takes place in the mitochondria. The high-energy electrons from the Krebs cycle are used to pump hydrogen ions across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a concentration gradient. This gradient is then used to power ATP synthase, an enzyme that synthesises ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

IB Biology Tutor Summary: ATP, or Adenosine Triphosphate, is like the cell's energy bank, helping to power up all sorts of activities inside the cell. It's made during cellular respiration, which happens in three main steps: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. These steps work together in the cell's powerhouse, the mitochondria, to produce and use ATP efficiently.

Study and Practice for Free

Trusted by 100,000+ Students Worldwide

Achieve Top Grades in your Exams with our Free Resources.

Practice Questions, Study Notes, and Past Exam Papers for all Subjects!

Need help from an expert?

4.93/5 based on509 reviews

The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.

Related Biology ib Answers

    Read All Answers
    Loading...