Lesson Plan

• Describe the structural components of ATP and their role in energy storage.
• Explain how high‑energy phosphoanhydride bonds release free energy on hydrolysis.
• Analyse how ATP regeneration pathways sustain cellular energy supply.
• Evaluate why ATP’s properties make it a universal energy currency across organisms.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation
• ATP molecular model kits or ball‑and‑stick sets
• Handout with ATP diagram and comparison table
• Whiteboard and markers
• Kahoot/Clicker quiz for quick recall
• Worksheet for energy‑calculation activity

Begin with a quick visual “power‑city” analogy to capture interest and ask students how a single, instantly available energy source could power many different processes. Review prior knowledge of cellular respiration and the concept of exergonic reactions. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the features that make ATP the universal energy currency.

1. Do‑now (5') – Kahoot quiz on ATP hydrolysis and basic terminology.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present ATP structure, highlight the three phosphates and high‑energy bonds using the diagram.
3. Guided inquiry (15') – Students label a physical ATP model and calculate the standard free‑energy change (ΔG°′ ≈ –30.5 kJ mol⁻¹).
4. Video demonstration (10') – Short clip showing oxidative phosphorylation and substrate‑level phosphorylation.
5. Group comparison activity (15') – Using the handout, groups fill a table comparing ATP with GTP, creatine phosphate, and proton‑motive force.
6. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: one sentence explaining why ATP is considered a universal energy carrier.

Summarise the key features that give ATP its universality – small soluble molecule, rapid turnover, standardised energy unit, reversible interconversion, and enzyme compatibility. Collect exit tickets and remind students to complete a short homework task: research another cellular energy carrier and write a 150‑word paragraph comparing it to ATP.