Out of all of the nucleoside triphosphates what makes ATP the most used? Is it its structure? The amount of energy it contains? Why is GTP not used as much? What is the deal with the other nucleoside triphosphates (dATP, dGTP, dTTP, dCTP, UTP, CTP)? Are there any artificial NTPs that can substitute for ATP? (like something that could cure Cyanide poisoning or a disease/illness that somehow de-functionalizes the Electron Transport Chain)
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1$\begingroup$ This was a question I too asked, during intro biochem. I still don't know the answer. I'm not sure if there's a satisfactory one beyond "evolutionary contingency". $\endgroup$– telCommented Jan 19, 2015 at 19:31
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$\begingroup$ I know GTP is often involved in signaling pathways such as in G Proteins. $\endgroup$– user137Commented Jan 19, 2015 at 19:37
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$\begingroup$ @tel do you think there is a way to find this out? an expirement or something? $\endgroup$– Alex StacksCommented Jan 19, 2015 at 19:44
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$\begingroup$ Apparently some GTP is involved in energy transfer. Following those references might be helpful. $\endgroup$– user137Commented Jan 19, 2015 at 19:47
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$\begingroup$ @user137 Yes, so maybe the best version of the question is "Why ATP and not GTP?", since the two molecules are so similar in terms of their chemistry and biological role. $\endgroup$– telCommented Jan 19, 2015 at 20:18
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