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ATP is a cell’s main form of energy "currency." Which of the following comprises an ATP molecule?

A) Adenine deoxyribose, two phosphates
B) A complex molecule of amino acids surrounding Z
C) Nitrogenous base, phosphate group, ribose
D) Adenine, ribose, three phosphate groups

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

An ATP molecule comprises adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups, with the bonds between these phosphates storing the cell's usable energy. Option D is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

An ATP molecule is composed of three main components: adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups. The structure of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, includes an adenosine backbone formed by an adenine molecule connected to a ribose sugar.

Attached to this adenosine are three phosphate groups, named alpha, beta, and gamma. The energy that cells use for various functions is stored in the bonds between these phosphate groups, particularly the bond between the second and third phosphate groups. When this bond is broken through hydrolysis, energy is released to fuel cellular activities, making ATP an essential molecule for cellular energy transactions.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is composed of a ribose sugar, an adenine base, and three phosphate groups. The ribose sugar is a five-carbon sugar, while the adenine base is a nitrogenous base.

The three phosphate groups are linked together by high-energy bonds, and these bonds store a significant amount of potential energy. When ATP is broken down into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (P), energy is released and used to power various cellular processes.

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