Question

Which best describes the hydrolysis of ATP, and why is ATP needed to charge a tRNA?

a) Exergonic; it provides energy for tRNA charging
b) Endergonic; it adds stability to tRNA
c) Exothermic; it facilitates tRNA bonding
d) Endothermic; it stabilizes mRNA

Answer 1

The hydrolysis of ATP is exergonic, providing the necessary energy for the endergonic reaction of tRNA charging during protein synthesis. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hydrolysis of ATP is an exergonic reaction; it releases energy as the ATP molecule is broken down into ADP and a phosphate group.

This reaction is crucial for charging tRNA because it provides the energy needed for the endergonic reaction that attaches the correct amino acid to the tRNA.

ATP is often referred to as the energy currency of the cell because it safely stores chemical energy in its two high-energy phosphate bonds.

This stored energy is then used to power various energy-requiring cellular processes, including the charging of tRNA during protein synthesis. The correct option is A.