The function of ATP in cells is to be consumed by endothermic processes and produced by exothermic processes in the cell.

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Multiple Choice

The function of ATP in cells is to be consumed by endothermic processes and produced by exothermic processes in the cell.

ATP serves as the cell’s energy currency. Its role is to couple energy-releasing (exergonic) steps with energy-using (endergonic) steps. When ATP is hydrolyzed, it releases energy that powers processes that require input, such as active transport, muscle contraction, and biosynthesis. Energy from exergonic reactions in metabolism is also used to rebuild ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, so ATP is produced by these energy-releasing processes. This pairing—ATP being consumed by endergonic processes and produced by exergonic processes—best describes how cells manage and allocate energy. The other statements don’t fit this fundamental function: ATP isn’t intended to store genetic information, and it isn’t a universal solvent.

ATP serves as the cell’s energy currency. Its role is to couple energy-releasing (exergonic) steps with energy-using (endergonic) steps. When ATP is hydrolyzed, it releases energy that powers processes that require input, such as active transport, muscle contraction, and biosynthesis. Energy from exergonic reactions in metabolism is also used to rebuild ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, so ATP is produced by these energy-releasing processes. This pairing—ATP being consumed by endergonic processes and produced by exergonic processes—best describes how cells manage and allocate energy. The other statements don’t fit this fundamental function: ATP isn’t intended to store genetic information, and it isn’t a universal solvent.

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