A single-celled organism is represented in the diagram shown below. An activity is indicated by the arrow.
Which substance is the main energy source needed to perform this process?
a
Enzyme
b
ATP
c
Photosynthesis
d
DNA
b
ATP
To determine the main energy source needed to perform the process indicated by the arrow in the diagram, we can analyze the options provided:
a) Enzyme: Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts and help facilitate chemical reactions. While enzymes play a crucial role in many cellular processes, they are not an energy source themselves.
b) ATP (adenosine triphosphate): ATP is often referred to as the "energy currency" of cells as it carries and transfers energy within cells. It is involved in many cellular activities and is a primary source of energy for various processes.
c) Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants and some bacteria wherein they convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (a form of chemical energy) and oxygen. Single-celled organisms depicted in the diagram may not perform photosynthesis, so it is unlikely to be their main energy source.
d) DNA: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material found in all living organisms. While DNA is essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information, it is not directly involved in providing energy for cellular processes.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is b) ATP. ATP is the main energy source needed to perform the process indicated by the arrow in the diagram. To arrive at this answer, one can eliminate options a, c, and d based on their roles in cellular processes and focus on understanding the role of ATP as the primary energy currency of cells.