Multiple Choice
In biochemistry, ATP is often described as containing “high-energy” phosphoanhydride bonds. How many high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds does one ATP molecule contain?
1. Introduction to Biochemistry
Gibbs Free Energy
Multiple Choice
In the context of Gibbs free energy and cellular energy coupling, how many phosphate groups does ATP (adenosine triphosphate) contain?
A
Four phosphate groups
B
Three phosphate groups
C
Two phosphate groups
D
One phosphate group
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the chemical structure of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which consists of an adenosine molecule attached to a chain of phosphate groups.
Understand that the term 'triphosphate' in ATP indicates the presence of three phosphate groups linked together.
Recognize that these three phosphate groups are connected by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds, which are important for energy transfer in cells.
Note that the energy released during ATP hydrolysis comes from breaking the bonds between these three phosphate groups, not from four or fewer groups.
Conclude that ATP contains exactly three phosphate groups, consistent with its name and role in cellular energy coupling.
Related Videos
Related Practice
