Anion Channel Blockage by ATP as a Means for Membranes to Perceive the Energy Status of the Cell

ATP harbors three phosphoric groups linked by two highly energetic phospho-anhydride bonds.The exergonic hydrolysis of the phospho-anhydride bonds of ATP can be used in biochemical reactions to couple the released energy to another endergonic reaction.Thus,ATP is a timing belt of cellular metabolism and energy distribution in cells.The cytosolic concentration of ATP and of its hydrolysis products,ADP,AMP,and PPi,is a function of the metabolic activity and defines the energetic status of cells.