Chapter 13.3, Problem 2TQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

Formation of pyrophosphate (PPi) instead of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in a reaction, where hydrolysis of ATP (adenine triphosphate) is used to link amino acid to its cognate tRNA (transfer ribonucleic acid).

Introduction:

ATP can be used in three different manners to transfer energy to different cellular processes. At first, by hydrolysis which releases phosphate. In this, the hydrolysis of ATP produces ADP (adenine diphosphate) and Pi (inorganic phosphate). Secondly, by hydrolysis which releases pyrophosphate. In this, a pyrophosphate (PPi) is formed which ultimately breaks down into two molecules of Pi. In the third method an organic molecule is phosphorylated.