Lisa's Lab Book

Sutton Bonington Science Cake Competition

Our entry into the 'Nerdy Science' category

ATP

judges comment

Title: Adenosine Triphosphate

Authors: Lisa Chakrabarti and Freya Shephard

Abstract: We demonstrate the formation of a unique ATP molecule formed by the bonding of fruit, vegetable and chocolate cupcakes with edible biscuit sticks.

Materials & Methods: All materials were obtained from ASDA stores (West Bridgford, Nottingham). Cupcake atoms were prepared by preparing a colloidal solution of butter, sugar, eggs, flour and appropriate flavours (Carbon: chocolate, Nitrogen: blueberry, Phosphorus: courgette, Oxygen: strawberry and Hydrogen: banana). Each atomic mixture was aliquoted into a suitable vessel and incubated at 180°C for 30mins at normal atmospheric pressure. Individual atoms were allowed to cool to room temperature and then each was encompassed with a mixture of icing sugar, butter and appropriate colour and/or flavour. The cohesion of the final ATP molecule was enabled by inserting an edible biscuit stick between neighbouring atoms and finally each atom was appropriately labelled.

Results & Discussion: Our data show that a unique ATP molecule can be formed by the bonding of 5 blueberry nitrogen atoms with 10 chocolate carbon atoms, 3 courgette phosphorus atoms, 13 strawberry oxygen atoms and 16 banana hydrogen atoms. Independent taste testing verified that this novel ATP molecule is a delicious source of energy (data not shown personal communication?). Whilst the methodology proved challenging and needs refinement in the final sculpting of the spherical atoms we unequivocally provide data that shows a novel highly energetic ATP molecule can be formed by the bonding of fruit, vegetable and chocolate cupcake atoms.

Conclusion: We predict that our unique approach to remodelling the ATP molecule could represent a step change in the field of ‘nerdy science’.

Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge our panel of random volunteers that participated in the energy testing part of this study. Funding was the usual ‘shoestring’ budget provided for cutting edge ‘nerdy’ science.

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