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Multiple Choice
Which type of biomolecule is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?
A
Protein
B
Lipid
C
Carbohydrate
D
Nucleotide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP consists of three main components: a nitrogenous base (adenine), a sugar molecule (ribose), and three phosphate groups. This structure is characteristic of nucleotides.
Recall the definition of a nucleotide. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA) and are composed of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.
Differentiate between the biomolecule categories provided in the question: Proteins are made of amino acids, lipids are hydrophobic molecules like fats and oils, and carbohydrates are composed of sugar units. ATP does not fit into any of these categories.
Recognize that ATP is a modified nucleotide. It is not part of DNA or RNA but serves as an energy carrier in cells due to its high-energy phosphate bonds.
Conclude that ATP is classified as a nucleotide because its structure and function align with the characteristics of this biomolecule category.