Question

Identify the factors that account for the high phosphoryl-transfer potential of ATP.

Answer 1

The high phosphoryl-transfer potential of ATP is due to factors such as the chemical coupling hypothesis, energetics of ATP hydrolysis, and substrate-level phosphorylation.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are several factors that account for the high phosphoryl-transfer potential of ATP:

1. Chemical coupling hypothesis: ATP is formed by harnessing the energy released from electron transfer to phosphorylate ADP. This forms a high-energy compound that can be used for cellular processes.
2. Energetics of ATP hydrolysis: ATP hydrolysis releases a large amount of free energy due to the high-energy bonds between its phosphate groups. This energy can be used to power various cellular reactions and processes.
3. Substrate-level phosphorylation: Certain enzymes, such as pyruvate kinase, catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from a high-energy compound (e.g., 1,3 diPG or PEP) to ADP, forming ATP. These high-energy compounds contribute to the high phosphoryl-transfer potential of ATP.