Answer to Question #123596 in Biochemistry for Sreelakshmi

Question

A molecule of ATP is usually consumed within a minute after synthesis, and the average human adult requires about 65 kg of ATP per day. However, at any given instance, human body contains at max about 50 grams of ATP and ADP combined, how it is possible that so much ATP can be utilized?

Answer 1

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy-rich compound used, for requiring energy, for the contraction of muscles and transportation of molecules across the membrane.

According to its utilization, the synthesis of ATP is also very rapid from ADP and  via a number of intermediate metabolic routes.

Energy, for the process is provided by the degradation of amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, and other energy rich molecules. For example, muscle creatine phosphate (CP) that forms ATP from ADP by the following reaction:

Due to quick process of recycling of ATP, 50 grams of the total ATP and ADP would be sufficient to meet the requirement of the chemical energy of the body.