BIOLOGY  -TEXT
BIOLOGY -TEXT
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781260710878
Author: Mader
Publisher: RENT MCG
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 6, Problem 1TC
Summary Introduction

To determine:

“The advantage of using GTP over ATP as an energy source for cellular reactions”.

Introduction:

Adenosine triphospahte (ATP) is the “energy currency” of cells, which is required to carry out all the cellular processes. ATP within cells acts as an instant source of energy. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) is another energy rich nucleotide use in cellular reaction. GTP is analogous to ATP, which is comprised of ribose sugar, guanine and three phosphate groups.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is energy storing molecules. The presence of phosphate bond in ATP molecules is high energy storing bond. The cells frequently recycle the ATP into ADP and inorganic phosphate group in order to release the energy.

In cells, the concentration of ATP is higher than the GTP. To maintain the ratio between the ATP and AMP inside the cell is very important. The use of ATP as an energy source in large amount can lead to cell death (apoptosis). So, GTP is the best alternative source of energy because its consumption at higher concentration does not cause cell death (apoptosis).

There are fewer example, in which the GTP is used as an energy source or phosphate donor. For the formation of microtubule GTP gets hydrolyzed into GDP. Many neurotransmitters and hormones use GTP for the transmission of signals, Ras and Rab protein also use GTP to transport the cytoplasmic proteins to their site and so on.

Conclusion

GTP is analogous of ATP, which is also used as an energy source for cellular reaction.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
Mitochondrial mutations; Author: Useful Genetics;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvgXe-3RJeU;License: CC-BY