Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
12:18
Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions
Published on: August 3, 2021
4.0K
Evidence for ATP Interaction with Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers
Alvaro Garcia1, Simon Pochinda2, Paninnguaq N Elgaard-Jørgensen2
1School of Life Sciences , University of Technology Sydney , Ultimo , NSW 2007 , Australia.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|July 11, 2019
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) may associate with cell membranes, challenging the idea of free diffusion. This interaction, along with aggregation at high concentrations, suggests buffered ATP pools within cells.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biochemistry
- Membrane biophysics
- Molecular dynamics
Background:
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a crucial intracellular energy molecule.
- Current understanding posits free diffusion of ATP throughout the cytosol.
- Previous studies suggest restricted ATP diffusion and compartmentalization, particularly in the subsarcolemmal space, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of ATP with phospholipid bilayers.
- To explore potential mechanisms for ATP compartmentalization or buffering within cells.
- To provide a new model for understanding ATP diffusion dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of membrane dipole potential and conductance changes.
- Determination of enthalpy changes in phospholipid phase transitions.
- Free energy calculations and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates that ATP associates with phospholipid bilayers.
- Molecular dynamics simulations reveal ATP can form aggregates in aqueous solutions at high concentrations.
- These findings suggest a physical basis for restricted ATP diffusion.
Conclusions:
- ATP interaction with cell membranes offers a novel mechanism for diffusion regulation.
- The study supports the existence of compartmentalized or buffered ATP pools.
- Findings reconcile previous observations of restricted subsarcolemmal ATP diffusion.
Related Concept Videos
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
47.7K
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
47.7K
01:31ATP Yield
78.4K
Cellular respiration produces 30 - 32 ATP per glucose molecule. Although most of the ATP results from oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain (ETC), 4 ATP are gained beforehand (2 from glycolysis and 2 from the citric acid cycle).
The ETC is embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is comprised of four main protein complexes and an ATP synthase. NADH and FADH2 pass electrons to these complexes, which pump protons into the intermembrane space. This distribution of...
The ETC is embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is comprised of four main protein complexes and an ATP synthase. NADH and FADH2 pass electrons to these complexes, which pump protons into the intermembrane space. This distribution of...
78.4K
01:27Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane
4.1K
The ER synthesizes lipids for building cell membranes and performing cellular functions such as energy storage and signaling. The lipid synthesis machinery embedded in the ER membrane primarily collects all reactants from the cytosol. Following synthesis, the secretory pathway and the ER contact sites distribute these lipids to other cellular organelles. Additionally, the energy-rich triacylglycerides are transported from the ER via lipid droplets.
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
4.1K
01:08Hydrolysis of ATP
81.1K
The bonds of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can be broken through the addition of water, releasing one or two phosphate groups in an exergonic process called hydrolysis. This reaction liberates the energy in the bonds for use in the cell—for instance, to synthesize proteins from amino acids.
If one phosphate group is removed, a molecule of ADP—adenosine diphosphate—remains, along with inorganic phosphate. ADP can be further hydrolyzed to AMP—adenosine...
If one phosphate group is removed, a molecule of ADP—adenosine diphosphate—remains, along with inorganic phosphate. ADP can be further hydrolyzed to AMP—adenosine...
81.1K
01:18ATP Synthase: Structure
15.3K
ATP synthase or ATPase is among the most conserved proteins found in bacteria, mammals, and plants. This enzyme can catalyze a forward reaction in response to the electrochemical gradient, producing ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. ATP synthase can also work in a reverse direction by hydrolyzing ATP and generating an electrochemical gradient. Different forms of ATP synthases have evolved special features to meet the specific demands of the cell. Based on their specific feature, ATP...
15.3K
01:28ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis
6.9K
Biological macromolecules are organic compounds, predominantly composed of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are covalently bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other minor elements. There are four major biological macromolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
6.9K