Question

Which of the following is known as the 'energy currency' of the cell?

• A. ATP
• B. ADP
• C. DTP
• D. None of these

Hint:

Think of ATP as a rechargeable battery. When it's fully charged, it's ATP. When it's used, it becomes ADP (a partially discharged battery), which can then be recharged by cellular respiration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cells need a readily available source of energy to power various metabolic processes. This energy is stored in a specific molecule that can be easily used, much like currency is used for transactions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): This molecule is the primary energy carrier in all living organisms. It stores energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds. When a cell needs energy, it breaks the third phosphate bond of ATP, releasing energy and forming ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and a free phosphate group. } \\ \bullet & \text{ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate): This is the "discharged" version of ATP, with only two phosphate groups. It can be "recharged" back into ATP using energy from cellular respiration. } \\ \bullet & \text{DTP (Deoxythymidine Triphosphate): This is a nucleoside triphosphate used in the synthesis of DNA, not as a general energy currency. } \\ \end{array}\] Because ATP is used to power the vast majority of energy-requiring cellular reactions, it is universally known as the 'energy currency' of the cell.

Step 3: Final Answer:
ATP is the energy currency of the cell.