For our cells and organs to function efficiently, they must consume the energyprovided by food, mainly glucose that through some metabolic processes, the body obtainsadenosine triphosphate or ATP.
In this article, we explain what adenosine triphosphate consists of and what its function is in the human body.
What is adenosine triphosphate?
Adenosine triphosphate oradenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a nucleotide-type molecule that isthe main source of energy usable by cells to perform their different metabolic functions. (1)
Note: The ATP molecule iscreated through 3 mechanisms: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and beta oxidation, and is formed by adenine, a ribose and three phosphate groups.
This molecule also has functionsas a neurotransmitter, regulating communication between neurons andfunctions related to heart rate, pain and sensory information. (2)
On the other hand, ATP ensures that messages (electrical impulses) travel under the right conditionsthroughout thenervous system, from thebrainto its destination.
It should be noted that adenosine triphosphate is alsosynthesized by the pharmaceutical industryto be used in hospitals, to treat cases of problems in the Cardiovascular Systemintravenously and whose dose is variable depending on the characteristics of the patient.
What is the function of adenosine triphosphate?
As we have mentioned, adenosine triphosphate in its capacity as an energy molecule and as a neurotransmitter, fulfills several functions which we mention below:
1. Releases energy for cellular processes
ATP is an essential molecule in all chemical reactions, for obtaining and consuming energy that are required in our cells.
In this sense, through certain chemical processes and when the cells need energy, the ATP molecule breaks a phosphate group, releasing energy in the form of heat, which is used for the necessary biochemical mechanisms.
To highlight: In this process, the ATP molecule becomes an ADP (adenosine diphosphate) molecule due to the loss of a phosphate group , but after other chemical reactions, this ADP molecule Recovers its phosphate group and becomes ATP again.
2. Participates in the production of ribonucleic acid
is the other type of nucleic acid
You should know: Adenosine triphosphate provides energy for the different biochemical reactions that occur inside the cell to maintain its functions, as in the case of DNA and RNA synthesis.
3. Contributes to protein synthesis
The human body is essentially made up of proteins , which are synthesized at the cellular level in structures called ribosomes. (5)
To form proteins, these ribosomes require a large amount of energy which is obtained through the breakdown of ATP molecules, and it has been estimated that cells during this synthesis process use around 75% of the available ATP .
4. Allows muscle contraction and physical movements
Adenosine triphosphate is vital for muscles to perform the contraction required in many body movements and this happens thanks to the transformation of chemical energy into mechanical energy.
Note: This is clearly visualized in Sports Activities and in general in many activities of daily life, where the number of muscle contractions is intense and ATP expenditure is very important.
5. Transports macromolecules across the cell membrane
Another of the very important functions that ATP fulfills is the transport of nutrients such as lipids and proteins and other chemical compounds inside and outside cells.
In this sense, the hydrolysis mechanism that occurs in ATP to release energy makes available the necessary energy for two processes to take place, the first of which is called endocytosis , which consists of the transport of these macromolecules into the cells. to use as nutrients.
The other, called exocytosis , is the mechanism for extracting the contents of the cell vesicles into the extracellular space, such as insulin secretion.
To highlight: In both cases the use of a large amount of ATP molecules is required .
6. Allows synaptic communication between neurons
As previously mentioned, adenosine triphosphate is a molecule that also functions as a neurotransmitter .
In this sense, regardless of other neurotransmitters such as Adrenaline , Norepinephrine , glutamate , glycine , Happiness Hormones or acetylcholineATPparticipates in the transmission of messages or electrical impulses, between the nerves that are related to the functioning of some structures of the Cardiovascular System and the Respiratory System.
7. Contributes to the structural preservation of cells
Based on the previous expositions, what remains for us is to emphasize that ATP fulfills an essential function in the structural conservation of cells and this is done through the Energy contribution to structures called cytoskeleton. (6)
You should know: These cytoskeletons Help Organize Other Structures called organelles, as well as substances in the fluid inside cells, which give shape and support to cells.
Key Findings
- Adenosine triphosphate is a nucleotide-type molecule, which is the main source of energy for cells.
- The ATP molecule is created through 3 mechanisms: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and beta oxidation.
- ATP also has functions as a neurotransmitter , regulating communication between neurons,
- ATP is also an energy molecule, essential for the functioning of all metabolic processes in the body.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.