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The ATP molecule is the "universal carrier of
free energy" in in the biological world. Organisms use ATP
to drive biological oxidation reactions
that are thermodynamically unfavored, such as
protein and nucleic acid synthesis, and
transport against a concentration gradient. The charge density on ATP is larger than its hydrolysis product, ADP and theoretical studies show that ATP is
less hydrated than ADP.
ATP is stable in solution if an enzyme catalyst is not present to drive hydrolysis
or phosphoryl transfer. .
Wire Frame
Phosphorus in Green
Carbons in Yellow
Hydrogens in Blue
Oxygens in Red
A map of the electrostatic potential (using Spartan) is
shown above.
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