Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello all, I am begining a project in wich I want to sintezise ATP in orther to make some sort of batery with it. I am curious if any of you have any ideas or suggestions as to how I can synthesize the molecule, how to brake it and how to put it back together
thank you all

Hi Enrique,

Batteries based on biological molecules could work, but you really need to pick a molecule that can do electron transport like chlorophyll or one of the flavonoids. Breakage of the high-energy phosphoester bond in ATP does produce energy but it is chemical energy, not electrical. The hydrolysis of the phosphate bond is coupled to other chemical reactions that need the energy boost from breaking the bond.

The enzymes of the citric acid cycle that the body uses to generate ATP [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_transport_chain] are the kind of molecules that might be usable in a battery because some of them are electron donors that might be able to transfer electrons to a battery cathode and produce power. Do a search for "biological batteries" and you will find lots of information on the kind of research that is being done right now to test your idea.

Take a look at the possibilities and let us know what you want to do. We can help you find a project that is interesting and doable.

Best wishes,

Sybee