Adenosine Triphosphate Synthesis

ATP or adenosine triphosphate is the energy currency of cells or living organisms. It is required for various cellular activities such as active transport of ions, muscle contraction, cell signalling, synthesis of biomolecules, etc.

ATP is synthesized from its precursor, ADP, by ATP synthases in the cellular respiration process. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase was first described in 1964 by Boyer, who proposed a crucial role of the enzyme in ATP synthesis.  These enzymes are found in the cristae and the inner membrane of mitochondria, the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts, and the plasma membrane of bacteria. Usually, there is a general understanding that ATP generation occurs in mitochondria. However, in the case of bacteria and archaea that lack mitochondria, ATP synthase is found in their plasma membrane.

ATP is synthesised by the oxidation of respiratory substrates such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc. The oxidation of these results in energy production, which is stored in the form of high energy bonds in ATP. Most ATP formation takes place in the electron transport chain by oxidative phosphorylation.