How to Make ATP From ADP

The conversion of ADP to ATP allows us to be active.

Cellular respiration is the process by which the cells of every living organism create energy needed for cell activity. In humans, this requires a long process of releasing energy stored within adenosine triphosphate, commonly known as ATP. A crucial part in this step is the conversion of adenosine diphosphate, commonly referred to as ADP, into ATP. Without the conversion of ADP to ATP, cellular respiration would be impossible and cells would not generate the energy needed for normal activity.

Things You'll Need

• ADP
• ATP
• ATPases
• ATP synthase

Instructions

1. Make ADP. The process your body uses to make ADP is called dephosphorylation and is part of a cycle continually making both ADP and ATP. You must have ATP in order to make ADP. ATPases are specific types of enzymes used to convert ATP into ADP. The enzymes connect to a molecule of ATP to remove the phosphate from ATP, creating a molecule of ADP. This process releases energy the cell can use.

2. Begin converting ADP to ATP. Use the enzyme ATP synthase to begin this process. The enzyme ATP synthase is used to facilitate the conversion of ADP into ATP. The enzyme will attach itself to the nearest ADP molecule it can find.

3. Add phosphorous to the ADP molecule. This process is also facilitated by the enzyme ATP synthase. It will attract phosphorous to the ADP it is attached to. Attach the phosphorous. This is also facilitated by ATP synthase. After attaching phosphate to ADP, creating ATP, the enzyme ATP synthase will remove itself from the ATP molecule. The ATP will then be broken down into ADP, releasing energy, and restarting the cycle.

References

• Estrella Mountain Community College; ATP and Biological Energy: The Nature of ATP
• Illinois Institute of Technology; Photosynthesis, Respiration, and the ATP-ADP Cycle; Clovis O. Price Jr.