Multiple Choice
An exergonic reaction __________ free energy, and an endergonic reaction __________ free energy.
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Gibbs Free Energy
Multiple Choice
ATP molecules provide energy for cellular activities primarily by which mechanism?
A
Providing energy by acting as an enzyme catalyst that lowers activation energy without being consumed
B
Releasing energy mainly through oxidation of the adenine ring during cellular respiration
C
Hydrolyzing the terminal phosphoanhydride bond to form ADP and inorganic phosphate, coupling the released free energy to endergonic reactions
D
Storing energy by forming additional phosphoanhydride bonds, making ATP more stable and energy-rich
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency in cells, used to drive various biological processes.
Recognize that ATP stores energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds, specifically the phosphoanhydride bonds between its phosphate groups.
Identify that the main mechanism by which ATP provides energy is through hydrolysis, where the terminal (gamma) phosphoanhydride bond is broken, producing ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
Note that this hydrolysis reaction releases free energy, which can be coupled to endergonic (energy-requiring) cellular reactions, effectively driving those processes forward.
Distinguish this mechanism from other options such as ATP acting as an enzyme catalyst, oxidation of the adenine ring, or storing energy by forming more phosphoanhydride bonds, which are not the primary ways ATP provides energy.
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