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ATP has evolved as the central molecule in energy metabolism. Could 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate serve the same function? Why or why not?

User Farzher
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Final answer:

ATP is the central molecule in energy metabolism due to its structure and high-energy bonds. 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is an intermediate in glycolysis and cannot serve the same function as ATP.

Step-by-step explanation:

ATP has evolved as the central molecule in energy metabolism because it is a highly efficient carrier of chemical energy in cells. It is made up of a nucleotide with three phosphate groups attached. The high-energy bonds between the phosphate groups store the energy that can be readily released for cellular processes.

However, 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate cannot serve the same function as ATP because it does not have the necessary structure or high-energy bonds. 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is an intermediate molecule in glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose to produce energy. It is phosphorylated to form ATP in a later step of glycolysis, but on its own, it does not have the capacity to function as the main energy carrier in cells.

User KiKMak
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