Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Biology
29 Nov 2025
30
2 pages
India Worthington @indiaworthington_xmfr
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of all living cells. This molecule stores chemical energy in... Show more
ATP is a nucleotide derivative consisting of an adenine base, ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. When cells need energy, they don't create it—instead, they transfer energy from one form to another through ATP. During aerobic respiration of one glucose molecule, cells can form 38 ATP molecules.
Your body uses ATP energy for various vital functions muscle contractions (like breathing or running), active transport across cell membranes, building large molecules from smaller ones (anabolic reactions), and maintaining your body temperature. Without ATP, these essential processes would stop.
The beauty of ATP lies in its recycling system. During respiration, cells don't make ATP from scratch—they rebuild it by adding a phosphate group to ADP (adenosine diphosphate). This continuous cycle of breakdown and reformation ensures cells always have energy available when needed.
Energy fact Energy follows the first law of thermodynamics—it cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. That's why we say energy is "released" during respiration, never "produced"!
When your cells need energy, ATP undergoes hydrolysis catalyzed by ATP hydrolase. This breaks the bond between the last phosphate group and the rest of the molecule, releasing ADP, an inorganic phosphate (Pi), and most importantly—energy your cells can use.
ATP is brilliantly designed for cellular energy needs. It releases energy in small, manageable amounts, preventing heat damage to cells. The energy becomes available instantly in a single-step reaction, ensuring you can respond quickly to sudden demands like sprinting to catch a bus. Additionally, ATP can phosphorylate other compounds, making them more reactive for cellular processes.
Despite its importance, ATP isn't an energy storage molecule. It's actually quite unstable, making it unsuitable for long-term energy storage. Instead, ATP functions as an immediate energy source, continuously made in cells according to their requirements. Think of ATP as cash in your pocket—readily available but not where you keep your life savings!
Remember this ATP synthesis occurs during both cellular respiration and the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, highlighting its central role in energy transfer throughout the living world.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the essential components of plant and animal cells, including the cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. This summary provides a clear overview of cell structures, their functions, and the differences between plant and animal cells, perfect for Year 7 revision. Ideal for students preparing for exams.
Biologyscience biology revision cards
BiologyExplore the key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, including their structures and functions. This summary covers essential components such as the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and more, providing a clear understanding of cellular biology. Ideal for students studying cellular structure and functions.
BiologyExplore the key sub-cellular structures of plant cells, including the cell membrane, cell wall, vacuole, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and nucleus. Understand their functions such as support, protection, storage, and photosynthesis in this informative summary.
BiologyExplore the essential sub-cellular structures including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, cell wall, chloroplasts, and permanent vacuole. This summary highlights their functions and locations in different cell types, providing a clear understanding of cellular organization. Ideal for biology students studying cell structure and function.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of cell differentiation and specialization in this concise summary. Understand the roles of various specialized cells, including nerve, muscle, and plant cells, and their unique structures and functions. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
India Worthington
@indiaworthington_xmfr
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of all living cells. This molecule stores chemical energy in its phosphate bonds and releases it when needed to power virtually all cellular activities. Understanding ATP is essential for grasping how organisms... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
ATP is a nucleotide derivative consisting of an adenine base, ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. When cells need energy, they don't create it—instead, they transfer energy from one form to another through ATP. During aerobic respiration of one glucose molecule, cells can form 38 ATP molecules.
Your body uses ATP energy for various vital functions: muscle contractions (like breathing or running), active transport across cell membranes, building large molecules from smaller ones (anabolic reactions), and maintaining your body temperature. Without ATP, these essential processes would stop.
The beauty of ATP lies in its recycling system. During respiration, cells don't make ATP from scratch—they rebuild it by adding a phosphate group to ADP (adenosine diphosphate). This continuous cycle of breakdown and reformation ensures cells always have energy available when needed.
Energy fact: Energy follows the first law of thermodynamics—it cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. That's why we say energy is "released" during respiration, never "produced"!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
When your cells need energy, ATP undergoes hydrolysis catalyzed by ATP hydrolase. This breaks the bond between the last phosphate group and the rest of the molecule, releasing ADP, an inorganic phosphate (Pi), and most importantly—energy your cells can use.
ATP is brilliantly designed for cellular energy needs. It releases energy in small, manageable amounts, preventing heat damage to cells. The energy becomes available instantly in a single-step reaction, ensuring you can respond quickly to sudden demands like sprinting to catch a bus. Additionally, ATP can phosphorylate other compounds, making them more reactive for cellular processes.
Despite its importance, ATP isn't an energy storage molecule. It's actually quite unstable, making it unsuitable for long-term energy storage. Instead, ATP functions as an immediate energy source, continuously made in cells according to their requirements. Think of ATP as cash in your pocket—readily available but not where you keep your life savings!
Remember this: ATP synthesis occurs during both cellular respiration and the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, highlighting its central role in energy transfer throughout the living world.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the essential components of plant and animal cells, including the cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. This summary provides a clear overview of cell structures, their functions, and the differences between plant and animal cells, perfect for Year 7 revision. Ideal for students preparing for exams.
Biologyscience biology revision cards
BiologyExplore the key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, including their structures and functions. This summary covers essential components such as the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and more, providing a clear understanding of cellular biology. Ideal for students studying cellular structure and functions.
BiologyExplore the key sub-cellular structures of plant cells, including the cell membrane, cell wall, vacuole, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and nucleus. Understand their functions such as support, protection, storage, and photosynthesis in this informative summary.
BiologyExplore the essential sub-cellular structures including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, cell wall, chloroplasts, and permanent vacuole. This summary highlights their functions and locations in different cell types, providing a clear understanding of cellular organization. Ideal for biology students studying cell structure and function.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of cell differentiation and specialization in this concise summary. Understand the roles of various specialized cells, including nerve, muscle, and plant cells, and their unique structures and functions. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology