How does ATP store energy for life's processes and how is it recycled?

Question

thomaster · Answer

Do you know where the energy in molecules is?

anonymous · Answer

I stayed up doing homework till like 3 last night and its 6:30 right now and I'm trying to finish my hw

anonymous · Answer

I have to leave in like 20 mins

thomaster · Answer

yea, great story, but that doesn't answer my question

anonymous · Answer

No I don't

thomaster · Answer

Energy is stored in the bonds of a molecule (sharing of electrons between atoms).

ATP is a molecule with a lot of bonds but the most energy is in the bond between the second and third phosphate group. This bond is known as a phosphoanhydride bond.

thomaster · Answer

when the body needs energy, this last phosphate group is removed from the ATP molecule, releasing the energy of the bond.
Then there is ADP left. A molecule with 2 phosphate groups. 
To recycle this, you just add a new phophate gorup (condensation reaction) and you're back to ATP.

thomaster · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

Okay I understand now

thomaster · Answer

Awesome :)