ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell, and its hydrolysis powers numerous cellular processes. Here are some examples:
Major Cellular Processes Powered by ATP
| Cell Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Transport | Movement of molecules across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient. |
| Muscle Contraction | The sliding of actin and myosin filaments in muscle cells, enabling movement. |
| Intracellular Signaling | Transmitting signals within the cell, often involving protein phosphorylation. |
| DNA and RNA Synthesis | Building blocks (nucleotides) are joined together to form DNA and RNA strands. |
| Purinergic Signaling | A form of extracellular signaling mediated by purine nucleotides (like ATP) and nucleosides. |
| Synaptic Signaling | Neurotransmitter release and reuptake at synapses, crucial for nerve impulse transmission. |
Examples Explained Further:
- Active Transport: ATP provides the energy for proteins to pump ions, sugars, and other molecules across cell membranes, maintaining crucial concentration gradients.
- Muscle Contraction: ATP binds to myosin, providing the energy for the myosin head to attach to actin and pull, resulting in muscle fiber shortening.
- DNA and RNA Synthesis: ATP is required to add nucleotides to a growing chain.
- Intracellular Signaling: ATP phosphorylates various proteins.
According to research, ATP hydrolysis provides the energy needed for many essential processes in organisms and cells. These include intracellular signaling, DNA and RNA synthesis, Purinergic signaling, synaptic signaling, active transport, and muscle contraction (09-Dec-2020).
