What is ATP's importance in the cell?

• A. ATP contains a long hydrocarbon tail and is important in storing energy.
• B. ATP can add phosphate groups, thereby releasing energy that can be used in cellular processes.
• C. ATP stores energy in carbonyl groups. When a carbonyl group is removed, energy is released to be used in cellular processes.
• D. ATP stores the potential to react with water, thereby removing a phosphate group and releasing energy for cellular processes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which consists of an adenine base, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups.
2. Recognize that ATP is a key energy carrier in cells, primarily due to the high-energy bonds between its phosphate groups.
3. Learn that the energy stored in ATP is released when the bond between the second and third phosphate groups is broken, a process known as hydrolysis.
4. Note that this hydrolysis reaction results in the formation of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate, releasing energy that can be used for cellular processes.
5. Understand that ATP's ability to release energy upon losing a phosphate group makes it crucial for powering various cellular activities, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis.