Which statement about ATP is true?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement about ATP is true?

ATP functions as the cell’s energy currency, with energy released when the terminal phosphate is hydrolyzed. This release—to convert ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate—provides the driving force that powers many cellular processes, from muscle contraction to active transport and the synthesis of macromolecules. The energy is used by coupling to endergonic reactions, making them proceed. While ATP does store energy in its phosphate bonds, the key idea is that this energy release fuels metabolic work. It isn’t a structural component of membranes, and it doesn’t act as a catalyst in most reactions—the role of catalysts is to speed reactions, typically enzymes.

ATP functions as the cell’s energy currency, with energy released when the terminal phosphate is hydrolyzed. This release—to convert ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate—provides the driving force that powers many cellular processes, from muscle contraction to active transport and the synthesis of macromolecules. The energy is used by coupling to endergonic reactions, making them proceed. While ATP does store energy in its phosphate bonds, the key idea is that this energy release fuels metabolic work. It isn’t a structural component of membranes, and it doesn’t act as a catalyst in most reactions—the role of catalysts is to speed reactions, typically enzymes.

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