AP Biology : Cellular energetics

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understand Atp Coupling

Given the hydrolysis of 1 mole of , which reaction could be driven by hydrolyzing 2 moles of ATP?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Given that the hydrolysis of 1 mole of ATP has delta G of , if 2 moles of ATP are hydrolyzed, delta . Reaction D has a delta G of ; when coupled with the hydrolization of 2 moles of ATP, delta G will be . As this is negative, it is indicated that this will be a spontaneous reaction, or can proceed without input of energy.

Example Question #2 : Understand Atp Coupling

ATP coupling describes the process through which hydrolysis of ATP can drive a __ reaction

Possible Answers:

exothermic

thermodynamically favorable

thermodynamically unfavorable

spontaneous

Correct answer:

thermodynamically unfavorable

Explanation:

 ATP coupling is the process where hydrolysis of ATP (a thermodynamically favorable, negative delta G, or spontaneous reaction) is coupled with a thermodynamically unfavorable reaction (a reaction that cannot proceed without energy input).

Example Question #3 : Understand Atp Coupling

Which of the following is an endergonic reaction?

Possible Answers:

Cellular respiration

Na+/K+ pump

Catabolism

Hydrolysis of ATP

Correct answer:

Na+/K+ pump

Explanation:

An endergonic reaction requires input of energy; delta G will be positive. Hydrolysis of ATP, cellular respiration, and catabolism (breakdown of a large molecule) are exergonic processes. The Na+/K+ pump is endergonic, as it requires energy. This process is coupled with ATP hydrolysis to allow it to proceed.

Example Question #4 : Understand Atp Coupling

Which is true of an exergonic reaction?

Possible Answers:

Energy is required

Energy is released

The reaction will not occur spontaneously

The reaction will always be endothermic

Correct answer:

Energy is released

Explanation:

Exergonic reactions are reactions that release energy. Endergonic reactions are reactions that require energy to proceed. Exergonic reactions can occur spontaneously, or are thermodynamically favorable. Endergonic reactions cannot occur spontaneously, or are thermodynamically unfavorable.

Example Question #5 : Understand Atp Coupling

ATP phosphorylation (ADP+ Pi-> ATP+ H2O) is what type of reaction?

Possible Answers:

endergonic

catabolic

spontaneous

exergonic

Correct answer:

endergonic

Explanation:

ATP hydrolysis is exergonic. ATP phosphorylation is the reverse of ATP hydrolysis, and thus is endergonic.

Example Question #6 : Understand Atp Coupling

If the reaction for ATP hydrolysis  is coupled with the reaction glucose+ sucrose-> fructose,, what is the net delta G?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 Through ATP coupling, the hydrolysis of ATP can allow the second, thermodynamically unfavorable reaction to proceed. . As the resulting delta  is negative, this will be thermodynamically favorable.

Example Question #1 : Cellular Energetics

Which is NOT a reason that the phosphoanhydride bonds of ATP are high energy?

Possible Answers:

Large mass of phosphate provides significant energy when combusted

Entropy is increased when bonds are broken

Repulsion of positively charged phosphate and negatively charged oxygen

Resonance stabilization of products of ATP hydrolysis

Correct answer:

Large mass of phosphate provides significant energy when combusted

Explanation:

The phosphoanhydride bonds of ATP, or the bonds between phosphate molecules, are high energy. This is due to the close proximity of positively charged phosphate and negatively charged oxygen; these charges repel. Also, there is resonance stabilization of the products of ATP hydrolysis (ADP and Pi); thus ADP is more stable than ATP. Additionally, entropy is increased when ATP is hydrolyzed; the second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a system always increases.

Example Question #1 : Cellular Energetics

Which is not part of an ATP molecule?

Possible Answers:

ribose sugar

adenine

threonine

alpha phosphate, beta phosphate, and gamma phosphate groups

Correct answer:

threonine

Explanation:

ATP consists of 3 phosphate groups, a ribose sugar, and adenine.

Example Question #3 : Cellular Energetics

Which is true of an ATP molecule?

Possible Answers:

When hydrolyzed, a phosphoanhydride bond is formed

It is used for long-term energy storage

It is unstable

When hydrolyzed, delta G> 0

Correct answer:

It is unstable

Explanation:

ATP is unstable; there is close proximity of positively charged phosphate and negatively charged oxygen; these charges repel. When hydrolyzed, delta G is <0 (exergonic). ATP is not used for long term-energy storage, as it is unstable. When hydrolyzed, a phosphoanhydride bond is broken.

Example Question #4 : Cellular Energetics

Which is true of ADP

Possible Answers:

ATP is produced when ADP is broken down

It contains 3 phosphate groups

It contains 2 phosphate groups

It contains more energy than ATP

Correct answer:

It contains 2 phosphate groups

Explanation:

When ATP is hydrolyzed and a phosphoanhydride bond is broken, ADP and a phosphate are the products. ADP then has 2 phosphate groups.

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