Final answer:
Energy from the breakdown of food molecules in living cells is stored as ATP, used immediately for cellular functions, or released as heat. ATP, being the cell's energy currency, facilitates the transfer and immediate use of energy within the cell.The correct option is 2).
Step-by-step explanation:
When living cells break down food molecules, the energy is stored as ATP, released as heat, and can also be used immediately by cells to perform various functions. Every cell utilizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to store and release energy. In the process of cellular respiration, energy from the breakdown of glucose and other food molecules is used to form ATP. This ATP can then be immediately used by the cell to power various molecular machines and processes needed for cell, tissue, and organ function. During catabolic reactions, about 40 percent of the energy is converted into ATP, while the remaining 60 percent is released as heat.
Additionally, ATP can play a role in both anabolic (synthesis) and catabolic (breakdown) pathways. It acts as an energy currency within the cell, moving to where energy is needed and then being broken down to release a controlled amount of energy for cellular activities. The ATP cycle is critical for maintaining the energy balance within the cell and supporting life-sustaining biochemical processes.