/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 4 The universal energy carrier of ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 4

The universal energy carrier of the body is _________.

Short Answer

Expert verified
ATP

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Question

Identify the keyword 'universal energy carrier' which refers to a molecule that provides energy for various cellular processes.
02

Recall Energy Molecules

Remember common energy molecules in the body, such as glucose, ATP, and NADH.
03

Identification of the Most Important Molecule

Determine which of these molecules is considered the primary energy carrier. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is universally known as the energy currency of the cell.
04

Confirm Answer

Verify that ATP is indeed correct by recalling its role in storing and transferring energy in cells.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Energy Carrier
Energy carriers are molecules that store and transport energy within cells. They play a crucial role in maintaining life. Without these carriers, cells wouldn't be able to perform essential functions. The most important energy carrier in biological systems is adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is often referred to as the 'universal energy carrier' because it provides energy for a wide variety of cellular processes.
Other energy molecules you might encounter include glucose and NADH, but ATP is the primary energy currency.
It acts like a battery, storing and releasing energy where it's needed.
Cellular Processes
Cellular processes are the myriad of chemical reactions that occur within living cells to sustain life. These processes include:
  • Cellular respiration
  • Photosynthesis
  • Protein synthesis
  • Muscle contraction
Each of these processes requires energy, which is where ATP comes into play. During cellular respiration, for example, ATP is produced by breaking down glucose. This ATP is then used to fuel activities such as protein synthesis, where amino acids are linked together to form proteins. Similarly, muscle cells use ATP to contract and facilitate movement.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule made up of three main components:
  • Adenine (a nitrogenous base)
  • Ribose (a sugar molecule)
  • Three phosphate groups
The high-energy bonds between the phosphate groups store significant amounts of energy. When these bonds are broken, energy is released and can be used by the cell.
This is how ATP acts as an energy shuttle, carrying energy to where it's needed.
In summary, ATP is vital because it serves as the main energy carrier in the cell, fueling countless cellular processes and making life possible.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A junction in which electrical activity in one neuron influences the electrical activity in another neuron by means of a neurotransmitter is called a _________.

The hydrophobic regions of the molecules composing the plasma membrane correspond to the two dark layers of this structure visible under an electron microscope. (True or false?)

The largest cells in the human body can be seen by the unaided eye. (True or false?)

Using the answer code on the right, indicate the type of cell junction described: ___ 1. adhering junction (a) gap junction ___ 2. impermeable junction (b) tight junction ___ 3. communicating junction (c) desmosome ___ 4. made up of connexons, which permit passage of ions and small molecules between cells ___ 5. consists of interconnecting fibres, which spot-rivet adjacent cells ___ 6. formed by an actual fusion of proteins on the outer surfaces of two interacting cells ___ 7. important in tissues subject to mechanical stretching ___ 8. important in synchronizing contractions within heart and smooth muscle by allowing spread of electrical activity between the cells composing the muscle mass ___ 9. important in preventing passage between cells in epithelial sheets that separate compartments of two different chemical compositions (a) gap junction (b) tight junction (c) desmosome

At resting membrane potential, there is a slight excess of negative charges on the inside of the membrane, with a corresponding slight excess of positive charges on the outside. (True or False?)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Cells

Read Explanation

Genetic Information

Read Explanation

Ecological Levels

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Control of Gene Expression

Read Explanation

Cell Communication

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.