Question

The negatively charged phosphates of ATP influence one another by

A) relative hydration.
B) charge repulsion.
C) resonance hybridization.
D) dehydrogenation.
E) all of the above

Answer 1

The correct option in the final answer is (B). The negatively charged phosphate groups of ATP repel each other due to charge repulsion, making ATP molecularly unstable and prone to hydrolysis, which releases energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question refers to the interaction of the negatively charged phosphate groups in ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When dealing with the phosphate groups in ATP, they are negatively charged and consequently, their natural tendency is to repel each other due to charge repulsion. This repulsive force contributes to the instability of the ATP molecule, making it easier for it to undergo hydrolysis and release energy.

The release of energy occurs when one or more phosphate groups are removed from ATP, a process known as dephosphorylation or hydrolysis. Other options like relative hydration, resonance hybridization, and dehydrogenation do not directly relate to the repulsive interactions between the phosphate groups.

The correct option in the final answer is (B) charge repulsion.