Multiple Choice
In the context of nucleic acids, ATP is structurally most similar to which type of molecule?
12
views
1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Nucleic Acids
Multiple Choice
In the context of nucleic acids, what type of molecule is ATP?
A
A ribonucleotide (adenosine triphosphate) consisting of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups
B
A phospholipid that forms biological membranes and stores energy in fatty acyl chains
C
A deoxyribonucleoside (adenine attached to deoxyribose) with no phosphate groups
D
A polynucleotide strand composed of multiple adenine-containing nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the basic structure of nucleotides, which consist of three components: a nitrogenous base, a sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose), and one or more phosphate groups.
Identify the components of ATP: it contains the nitrogenous base adenine, the sugar ribose (not deoxyribose), and three phosphate groups attached in a chain.
Understand that ATP is a single nucleotide, not a polymer, so it is not a polynucleotide strand linked by phosphodiester bonds.
Recognize that ATP is not a phospholipid, as phospholipids have a glycerol backbone with fatty acid chains and a phosphate group, and are involved in membrane structure rather than energy transfer.
Conclude that ATP is best classified as a ribonucleotide (adenosine triphosphate) because it contains adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.
Related Videos
Related Practice
