Which statement best describes ATP?
a
It is the product of photosynthesis.
b
It is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.
c
It is created when cells undergo replication.
d
It is transported out of cells as a waste product.
b
It is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.
The statement that best describes ATP is b) It is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.
The statement that best describes ATP is:
b. It is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options and explain how to eliminate the incorrect ones:
a. It is the product of photosynthesis.
ATP is involved in the process of photosynthesis, but it is not the direct product of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, ATP is generated as a result of the energy captured from sunlight, but it is not the end product of photosynthesis itself. Therefore, option (a) can be eliminated.
b. It is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.
This statement is correct. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is known as the "energy currency" of cells. It is used to power various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and synthesis of macromolecules. ATP stores chemical energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds, and when these bonds are broken, energy is released for cellular work.
c. It is created when cells undergo replication.
ATP is involved in many cellular processes, including replication, but it is not specifically created during cellular replication. DNA replication requires the energy provided by ATP but does not produce ATP as a direct result. Therefore, option (c) can be eliminated.
d. It is transported out of cells as a waste product.
ATP is not transported out of cells as a waste product. On the contrary, cells constantly produce and utilize ATP as an essential energy source. It is widely utilized within the cell and is not transported out as waste. Therefore, option (d) can be eliminated.
In summary, the correct answer is:
b. It is the primary source of energy for cellular processes.