One of the steps in lipid metabolism is the reaction of glycerol (1,2,3-propanetriol, HOCH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, with ATP to yield glycerol 1-phosphate. Write the equation for this reaction using the curved arrow symbolism.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the reaction. Glycerol (1,2,3-propanetriol) reacts with ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to form glycerol 1-phosphate and ADP (adenosine diphosphate). This is a phosphorylation reaction where a phosphate group is transferred from ATP to glycerol.
2. Step 2: Identify the nucleophile and electrophile. In this reaction, the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the first carbon of glycerol acts as the nucleophile, and the terminal phosphate group of ATP acts as the electrophile.
3. Step 3: Draw the curved arrow mechanism. Use a curved arrow to show the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group attacking the phosphorus atom of the terminal phosphate group in ATP. This forms a new bond between the oxygen and phosphorus.
4. Step 4: Show the leaving group. As the bond between the oxygen and phosphorus forms, the bond between the terminal phosphate group and the rest of the ATP molecule breaks, resulting in the release of ADP as the leaving group.
5. Step 5: Write the balanced chemical equation. The reaction can be represented as: $\mathrm{HOCH}{2}_{(OH)}\mathrm{CH}\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)+\mathrm{ATP}\to \mathrm{HOCH}{2}_{(OPO}\mathrm{CH}\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)+\mathrm{ADP}$. Ensure the curved arrows and electron flow are clearly depicted in your diagram.

Key Concepts

Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism refers to the biochemical processes involved in the synthesis and degradation of lipids in cells. It includes the breakdown of fats for energy and the synthesis of fatty acids and glycerol. Understanding lipid metabolism is crucial for grasping how glycerol is utilized in energy production and how it interacts with other metabolic pathways.

Curved Arrow Symbolism

Curved arrow symbolism is a method used in organic chemistry to depict the movement of electrons during chemical reactions. The arrows indicate the direction of electron flow, helping to visualize the formation and breaking of bonds. This notation is essential for accurately representing the reaction of glycerol with ATP, as it illustrates how energy is transferred and chemical bonds are formed.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the primary energy carrier in all living organisms. It provides the energy required for various biochemical reactions, including those in lipid metabolism. In the context of the reaction with glycerol, ATP donates a phosphate group, facilitating the conversion of glycerol to glycerol 1-phosphate, which is a key intermediate in lipid synthesis.