When 1 mole of ATP is hydrolyzed in a test tube without an enzyme, about twice as much heat is given off as when 1 mole of ATP is hydrolyzed in a cell. Which of the following best explains these observations?
A
Cells are less efficient at energy metabolism than reactions that are optimized in a test tube.
B
The amount of heat released by a reaction has nothing to do with the free energy change of the reaction.
C
In cells, ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP and Pi, but in the test tube it is hydrolyzed to carbon dioxide and water.
D
Cells have the ability to store heat; this cannot happen in a test tube.
E
In the cell, the hydrolysis of ATP is coupled to other endergonic reactions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of ATP hydrolysis: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that releases energy when it is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This process is exergonic, meaning it releases energy.
Recognize the difference between reactions in a test tube and in a cell: In a test tube, ATP hydrolysis occurs without any coupling to other reactions, resulting in the release of heat as the primary form of energy dissipation.
Consider the role of coupling in cellular reactions: In cells, ATP hydrolysis is often coupled to endergonic reactions, which require energy input. This coupling allows the energy released from ATP hydrolysis to be used directly for cellular work, rather than being lost as heat.
Evaluate the efficiency of energy use in cells: Cells are efficient at using the energy from ATP hydrolysis to drive necessary biological processes, reducing the amount of energy lost as heat compared to an isolated reaction in a test tube.
Conclude with the explanation: The observation that less heat is released during ATP hydrolysis in cells compared to a test tube is best explained by the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to other endergonic reactions in the cell, which utilizes the energy for cellular functions rather than dissipating it as heat.