BIOLOGY (CUSTOM)
BIOLOGY (CUSTOM)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781266213144
Author: Mader
Publisher: MCG CUSTOM
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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
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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.

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