The potential energy in a molecule of ATP that is harnessed to do the work of the cell is held in part in the:
A)carbon-carbon bonds of the sugar.
B)repulsion of the phosphate groups from each other.
C)the carbon-nitrogen bonds of the base.
D)the carbon-oxygen bonds of the sugar.
E)repulsion of the sugar and the base.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy in a molecule of ATP is held in the repulsion of the phosphate groups from each other. This energy is released when the last phosphate group is removed, leaving behind ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and a free phosphate molecule. This energy is harnessed by the cell to do work. The carbon-carbon bonds of the sugar, the carbon-nitrogen bonds of the base, and the carbon-oxygen bonds of the sugar do not contribute significantly to the energy stored in ATP. The repulsion of the sugar and the base is also not a significant factor.

The Potential Energy in a Molecule of ATP That Is