Metabolism - Supplying E to Endergonic Rxns | BIALIGY.com

About this video

• Video Title: Metabolism - Supplying E to Endergonic Rxns | BIALIGY.com
• Channel: BIALIGY
• Speakers: None explicitly named
• Duration: 00:11:33

Overview

This video explains how cells supply energy to endergonic (energy-requiring) reactions by coupling them with exergonic (energy-releasing) reactions. It focuses on Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) as the primary energy currency, detailing its structure and how the hydrolysis of its terminal phosphate group releases a significant amount of energy, thereby driving endergonic processes.

Key takeaways

• Coupling Reactions: Cells overcome the non-spontaneous nature of endergonic reactions by coupling them with exergonic reactions, using the energy released from the exergonic process to fuel the endergonic one.
• ATP as Energy Currency: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the main molecule cells use for energy due to its efficiency and high energy content.
• ATP Structure: ATP consists of an adenine group, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. The bonds between these phosphate groups, especially the terminal one, store significant potential energy.
• ATP Hydrolysis: The removal of ATP's terminal phosphate group through hydrolysis (the addition of water) releases approximately 30.5 kilojoules of energy. This process is exergonic and drives endergonic reactions.
• Making Endergonic Reactions Exergonic: ATP hydrolysis allows endergonic reactions to become exergonic by providing the necessary energy input, effectively making unfavorable reactions proceed.