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Difference Between ATP and ADP

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and ADP (adenosine diphosphate) are both molecules involved in the transfer of energy within cells. These molecules are crucial for many cellular processes, including muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis. Both ATP and ADP are nucleotides composed of adenine, ribose, and phosphate groups, they differ in the number of phosphate groups they contain. In this article, we will explore the differences between ATP and ADP in more detail, including their structure, function, and role in energy transfer.

What is ATP?

ATP Is known as energy currency and ATP stands for Adenosine triphosphate. It is a carbon compound. Which is found in the human body as well as in the cells of trees and animals, its function is to provide energy to the cells. It is from this that our body develops and provides strength or energy to our body. Adenosine triphosphate is the source of energy for us and storage in the cell.

The structure of ATP is a nucleoside triphosphate which consists of a ribose sugar, a nitrogenous base (adenine), and three sequentially bonded phosphate groups. ATP is also known as the “energy currency” of the cell because it provides readily releasable energy in the bond between the second and third phosphate groups. ADP is combined with phosphate and becomes ATP. 

What is ADP?

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is a molecule composed of adenosine and two phosphate groups. It is a precursor to ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency of the cell. When energy is needed, ATP is broken down into ADP, releasing energy that can be used by the cell. Conversely, when energy is abundant, ADP can be converted back into ATP, storing energy for later use. ADP is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including muscle contraction, metabolism, and cell signaling.

Similarities Between ATP and ADP

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and ADP (adenosine diphosphate) are two closely related molecules involved in the transfer and storage of energy within cells. Some of the similarities between ATP and ADP include: 

  • Composition: Both ATP and ADP are composed of adenosine and phosphate groups. ATP has three phosphate groups, while ADP has two phosphate groups. 
  • Role in Energy Metabolism: Both ATP and ADP play important roles in energy metabolism within cells. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell, while ADP is a precursor to ATP and can be converted back into ATP when energy is needed. 
  • Hydrolysis: Both ATP and ADP can be hydrolyzed by the addition of water, releasing energy that can be used by the cell. 
  • Cellular Processes: Both ATP and ADP are involved in a variety of cellular processes, including muscle contraction, metabolism, and cell signaling. 
  • Importance to Life: Both ATP and ADP are essential for life, as they are involved in many cellular processes that are necessary for the survival and functioning of cells and organisms.
ADP and ATP

 

Differences Between ATP and ADP

Characterization                      

 ATP

ADP

Full Form      ATP stands for Adenosine Tri-Phosphate. ADP stands for Adenosine Di-Phosphate.
Chemical       Formula  Chemical formula of ATP– C10H16N5O13P3 Chemical formula of ADP– C10H15N5O10P
Phosphate Group ATP contains three phosphate groups. ADP contains two phosphate groups
Energy Storage A high-energy molecule compared to ADP A low-energy molecule compared to ATP
Molar Mass Molar mass of ATP is :- 507.18g/mol Molar mass of ADP is– 427.201g/mol
Energy Contains It contains potential energy. It contains kinetic energy.
Energy State It has a higher energy state. It has comparatively stable.
Function Activation of amino acid, synthesis of macro-molecules, metabolism in cells, Active transport of molecules. Catabolic pathways such as glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation Blood platelet activation and the role in mitochondrial ATP synthesis complex.

FAQs on ATP and ADP

Question 1: What happens when ATP is hydrolyzed?

Answer: 

When ATP is hydrolyzed, one of the phosphate groups is removed, releasing energy and forming adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). 

ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi + energy

Question 2: What is the role of ATP in the Cell?

Answer: 

ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell. It is involved in many cellular processes, including muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis.

Question 3: What is the Structure of ATP?

Answer: 

ATP is composed of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a sugar molecule (ribose), and three phosphate groups.


Last Updated : 29 Mar, 2023
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