ATP (adenosine triphosphate) stores energy in the bonds between its?

Question

blues · Answer

Think about the molecular structure of ATP.

The phosphate groups are big and negatively charged - so they tend to repel each other. Think about trying to push two negatively charged magnets close together - it is hard to do to. It takes a lot of energy to make them touch. Same with the phosphate groups. It takes a lot of energy to make those bonds, so when they break, a lot of energy is released....

anonymous · Answer

hydrogren atoms
nucleotides. <-- i want to say this one.. but no sure
carbon atoms
phosphate groups.

nincompoop · Answer

it's the phosphate groups.  when it is hydrolyzed the terminal side of the ATP springs out of the bond generating energy.

blues · Answer

I would say, the phosphate groups. They are the negatively charged groups - the groups that it takes a lot of energy to bond together. The nucleotide is really just a structural thing, like a saffold, for the phosphates to be bonded to..

anonymous · Answer

@nincompoop & @blues.. thanks!! (:

nincompoop · Answer

The reaction is exergonic and releases approximately 7.3 kcal of energy per mole of ATP hydrolyzed.

blues · Answer

@Lil, thank you for taking a stab at which option you thought it would be. I definitely appreciate it. :)

anonymous · Answer

Thanks! that makes sense now ((: