Final answer:
The energy for forming a phosphodiester bond is derived from the breaking of a high-energy anhydride bond in an incoming nucleotide triphosphate (NTP), releasing pyrophosphate which drives the polymerization process. During ATP hydrolysis, energy is released from the breaking of phosphoanhydride bonds, used for cellular processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy needed to form a phosphodiester bond during the polymerization of nucleotides comes from the cleavage of a high-energy bond, specifically an anhydride bond in the incoming nucleotide triphosphate (NTP). When a nucleotide is added to a growing DNA or RNA strand, the phosphodiester bond is created through a dehydration synthesis reaction that also produces water. This process is energetically favorable because of the release of a pyrophosphate group (PP), which is subsequently broken down into two inorganic phosphates, driving the polymerization process forward.
In the context of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), energy can be derived from the hydrolysis of ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi). The breaking of high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds between the phosphate groups of ATP releases a significant amount of energy (>7 kcal/mol), which is used by the cell to power various processes. This reaction is considered a hydrolysis reaction and occurs when water is added to ATP.