Multiple Choice
In the context of Gibbs free energy and cellular energetics, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) contains how many phosphate groups?
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1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Gibbs Free Energy
Multiple Choice
In the context of Gibbs free energy, ATP is used for ________ in all cells.
A
Coupling exergonic reactions to drive endergonic cellular processes by providing a favorable overall
B
Spontaneously lowering activation energy as a catalyst without being consumed
C
Directly increasing the Gibbs free energy change () of unfavorable reactions to make them spontaneous without coupling
D
Serving as the primary long-term energy storage molecule in place of glycogen and triacylglycerols
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of Gibbs free energy (\$\(\Delta\) G\$), which determines whether a reaction is spontaneous (\$\(\Delta\) G < 0\$) or non-spontaneous (\$\(\Delta\) G > 0\$).
Recognize that ATP hydrolysis is an exergonic reaction with a large negative \$\(\Delta\) G\$, meaning it releases energy that can be harnessed by the cell.
Learn that cells use ATP to couple the energy released from ATP hydrolysis to drive endergonic (non-spontaneous) reactions, effectively making the overall process spontaneous.
Note that ATP does not act as a catalyst to lower activation energy nor does it directly increase the \$\(\Delta\) G\$ of unfavorable reactions without coupling; instead, it provides energy through coupling.
Conclude that ATP's primary role in cells is to couple exergonic and endergonic reactions, providing a favorable overall \$\(\Delta\) G\$ that drives essential cellular processes.
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