Question

ATP is a high-energy biomolecule containing three phosphate groups. How does ATP help in providing energy to organisms?

A) By breaking the bonds between phosphate groups
B) By adding more phosphate groups to the ATP
C) By helping organisms in capturing solar energy
D) By forming new bonds with other molecules

Answer 1

ATP provides energy to organisms by breaking the high-energy bond between its second and third phosphate groups, releasing energy that is used to drive various cellular processes.Answer is option (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a high-energy molecule that serves as the primary energy currency in cells. Its energy comes from the three phosphate groups it has, particularly the bond between the second and third phosphate, which is a high-energy phosphoanhydride bond. When organisms require energy, enzymes break this bond, resulting in a hydrolysis reaction where ATP is converted to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi), releasing energy in the process. This released energy is then used to power various cellular activities and is critical for the survival of the cell.

Given the options provided by the question, the correct answer is A) By breaking the bonds between phosphate groups. ATP does not add more phosphate groups to release energy, nor does it help in capturing solar energy or forming new bonds to release energy.