To help you understand, we will use another analogy, the Popper Analogy. This time we will use a party popper to simulate the way energy is released when the phosphate is broken off an ATP molecule.

Look at the popper drawing your teacher has made on the board. This represents an ATP molecule. If you look at the bottom of the popper you will see a large 'P'. This disc represents the third Phosphate attached to the ATP molecule. When you are given a popper your's will look just the same.

Do not pull anything until told to by the teacher. The reaction happens quickly when you pull the string, so you will need to watch carefully. You will need these observations to discuss and draw conclusions at the end of the activity.

Where this phosphate attaches is now a high energy bond. When the cell needs the energy stored in the ATP it breaks the high energy bond between the last two phosphates and a large amount of energy is released.

Because the cell needs a great deal of energy, this process of breaking off a phosphate and then reattaching a phosphate, using the energy released when glucose is burned, happens very quickly and continuously.

Remember your discussion on energy needs during sleep and rest? Even when you are asleep, the mitochondria continues to go through this cycle.

First predict what will happen.

When your teacher directs you to you quickly pull the string, pointing the popper away from you and all other students. Now gather up all the parts remaining. Draw what you saw happen.