Yes, algae use ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Algae need ATP, as it is the primary energy currency for cells. They primarily generate ATP through two processes:
- Photophosphorylation: This process occurs during photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP.
- Respiratory Oxidative Phosphorylation: This process occurs in the mitochondria, where energy from the breakdown of organic molecules is used to generate ATP.
Although lipid accumulation is an energy storage process in algae, the creation of these lipids also requires ATP. According to provided information, most of the ATP needed by algae is provided by photophosphorylation and respiratory oxidative phosphorylation. The accumulation of lipids, used as an energy storage method, necessitates the use of additional ATP to drive its biosynthetic process.
In short, algae both produce and use ATP for various cellular processes including biosynthesis and energy storage.
