A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) known as?

1. The cell's storage molecule

2. The universal energy currency for cells

3. An energy inhibitor

4. A genetic material

The correct answer is: The universal energy currency for cells

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is widely recognized as the universal energy currency for cells. This designation stems from its crucial role in energy transfer within cells. ATP stores potential energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds. When these bonds are broken, typically through hydrolysis, energy is released, which can then be utilized for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, active transport, and biosynthesis. Other potential answers may describe different biological functions or molecules but do not capture ATP's primary role. For instance, while some molecules in cells serve as storage forms of energy, ATP is actively involved in energy transfer rather than serving as a long-term storage molecule. Additionally, ATP does not inhibit energy processes but rather facilitates them. It also is not a form of genetic material, which is typically associated with DNA or RNA. Thus, the characterization of ATP as the universal energy currency accurately reflects its essential function in cellular metabolism.