ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate

Free Response

Do you think that the EA for ATP hydrolysis is relatively low or high? Explain your reasoning.

Hint:

The activation energy for hydrolysis is very low. Not only is ATP hydrolysis an exergonic process with a large −∆G, but ATP is also a very unstable molecule that rapidly breaks down into ADP + Pi if not utilized quickly. This suggests a very low EA since it hydrolyzes so quickly.