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Multiple Choice
How does ATP release energy that can be used by living cells?
A
By absorbing energy from sunlight
B
By breaking the bond between the second and third phosphate groups
C
By forming a bond with a glucose molecule
D
By converting into ADP and releasing a hydrogen ion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that stores energy in cells. It consists of adenine, ribose (a sugar), and three phosphate groups.
Recognize that the energy stored in ATP is primarily in the bonds between its phosphate groups, especially the bond between the second and third phosphate groups.
When a cell needs energy, ATP undergoes a reaction called hydrolysis, where water is used to break the bond between the second and third phosphate groups.
This reaction converts ATP into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi), releasing energy that the cell can use for various processes.
The release of energy during this process is due to the high-energy bond between the phosphate groups being broken, which is why ATP is often referred to as the energy currency of the cell.