The Synthesis and Hydrolysis of ATP (A-level Biology)

The Synthesis and Hydrolysis of ATP

Synthesising ATP

Photophosphorylation and Chemiosmotic Theory

Previously, we saw how ATP was formed in the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis. We will recap the synthesis of ATP again here:

  • ADP and Phosphate are required to form ATP. Two reactants are required to form ATP. These are ADP and an inorganic phosphate (Pi).
  • A H+ ion is the catalyst. In this reaction, a H+ ion is required to act as the catalyst for ADP + Pi ATP. This process is known as non-cyclic photophosphorylation.

Hydrolysing ATP

We also saw how ATP was hydrolysed in the light-independent reaction of photosynthesis, called the Calvin Cycle. We will recap the hydrolysis of ATP again here:

  • ATP and reduced NADP are required to reduce GP. In the Calvin cycle, ATP and reduced NADP are used to form triose phosphate from GP.
  • GP is reduced to triose phosphate (TP). 2 molecules of GP are reduced to form two molecules of triose phosphate (also 3C). For this reaction to occur, we need H+ ions and energy:
    • The H+ ions come from conversion of reduced NADP to NADP.
    • The energy comes from the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and Pi.
  • ATP has been hydrolysed. Through this reaction, ATP has been converted back into ADP and an inorganic phosphate. The reduced NADP is converted into NADP.

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