https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3x13f8/does_the_endoplasmic_reticulum_transport_atp/
created by Dudeguy21 on 16/12/2015 at 03:04 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 top-level comments (showing 1)
I have a limited understanding of cells, and I know that the ER transports various materials. But does it transport ATP? If not, how does ATP get around the cell? Thanks!
Comment by Isunova at 16/12/2015 at 20:33 UTC*
3 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Hi. The ER is used for the transport of proteins and other complex molecules as you mentioned, but that does not really include ATP. ATP, whether it's made by oxidative reactions (glycolysis --> electron transport chain) or anaerobic respiration, is utilized instantly. Thus, a cell makes ATP *as required*; it isn't transported nor saved for later usage.
ATP doesn't *really* need to travel around cells, since it's used instantly to power reactions that the cell needs. And it's not just made in one location; glycolysis occurs throughout the cytoplasm, which then later shifts to the mitochondria for the Krebs cycle and ETC.