Energy Molecules

Energy Molecules

• Cell energy processes use energy carrier molecules to store/transport energy
• Several types.
•  

• ATP - Adenosine Tri- Phosphate - Most important

• Energy currency of the cell
• Made of 3 parts

1. 5 Carbon sugar (ribose)
2. Adenine
3. 1 to 3 phosphate groups

• Gains / Stores energy by gaining or losing phosphate groups
• Loses / Transfers energy when it loses phosphate groups
• Called AMP - Adenosine Mono-Phosphate when it has 1 phosphate
• Called ADP - Adenosine Di-Phosphate when it has 2 phosphates
• Called ATP - Adenosine Tri-Phosphate when it has 3 phosphates

Other Energy Molecules:

• NAD+
• Found in cell respiration
• Gains / Stores energy by adding H⁺. [NAD⁺ + 2H⁺ Þ NADH₂]
• Loses / Transferrs energy by releasing H⁺. [NADH_{2 Þ} NAD⁺ + 2H⁺]

 

• NADP+
• Same as NAD+ but only found in photosynthesis