First-time Discovery: Molecular Cause of ATP Hydrolysis Energy Identified
For the first time, Japanese researchers have been able to pinpoint the molecular cause of ATP hydrolysis energy, or AHE. In order to make this discovery, the study was carried out at Tohoku University using cutting-edge computational techniques. The study discovered that the hydration free energy of the solutes compensated for electronic state stability and destabilization, leading to AHE. Our discussion of ATP hydrolysis and the function of AHE, in particular, its origin, is related to this article. For years, scientists have not been able to explain the molecular origin of AHE and it was once thought to be contained within the molecular structures of ATP. As such, several studies have been carried out to explain this happening with no tangible result, until this study. The evidence here shows that through the use of large-scale simulations through hybrid quantum and classical computational techniques conducted through several processors, the ability to observe the effects of molecular properties of a solvent was possible which leads to the understanding of ATP hydrolysis energy. This explained how the free energies of ATP and pyrophosphate occur at -10 kcal/mol and remain insensitive to solutes. The evidence to support this is correlational with the variables examined to be the molecular property of the solvent and the electronic states of the solutes. The researchers also attempted to explain alternative hypotheses of AHE constancy.
Evaluation of Research Reliability
I would give this a three out of five in regards to the reliability of the research. There are limitations in the experiment used whereby the researchers for a correction between AHE occurrence, which is achieved with the molecular properties of a solvent and the electronic state of solutes. They also managed to test the alternative hypothesis as mentioned above. Furthermore, the research is particularly clear in explaining how the constancy of AHE is achieved and maintained throughout ATP hydrolysis. The research has been published in "Physical Chemistry" which is a peer-reviewed journal. The researchers are also affiliated with Tohoku University. There is no mention of a funding source.
Evaluation of Presentation
I would give the presentation a three out of five. The headline is well stated and accurate by specifically mentioning the evidence presented and how it was achieved. Correlation is not confused with causation. The journalist mention in the article that another explanation achieved through the experiment was why ATP's hydrolysis free energies and pyrophosphates remain insensitive to charges of solutes. This show correlation was not confused with causation as the same experiment would have shown the non-existence of AHE as it takes the correlation between properties of a solvent and the electronic state of a solute for the AHE to take effect. There was no quotation from independent scientists and this may have impacted on my general understanding of the study. There was also no mention of the limitations of the research which further made me question its reliability. I do not think the journalist overstated the applicability of the results because nothing of the sort was mention in the headline and furthermore, the only significance made to it is that it could constitute new fundamental issues that can be described in standard biology textbooks.
Work Cited
Tohoku University. “ATP hydrolysis energy explained through large-scale hybrid quantum/classical simulations.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 March 2017.
