Question

Energy is stored long-term in the bonds of _____ and used short-term to perform work from a(n) _____ molecule. a. ATP: glucose b. an anabolic molecule : catabolic molecule c. glucose : ATP d. a catabolic molecule : anabolic molecule

Short answer

c. glucose : ATP

Step-by-step solution

Identify the long-term energy storage molecule

The bonds between the energy-rich molecules serve as a long-term energy storage source. Among the given options, glucose is one such molecule.

Identify the short-term energy molecule used to perform work

The short-term energy molecule is used to perform work in the cell and is regenerated in the process. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the key short-term energy molecule.

Match the long-term and short-term energy molecules

Now that we have identified glucose as the long-term energy storage molecule and ATP as the short-term energy molecule used to perform work, we can match these two molecules to the correct answer choice. So, the correct answer is: c. glucose : ATP

Key concepts

ATP

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. It is a molecule that carries energy within cells.
ATP is considered the cell's energy currency, meaning it provides the energy needed for various cellular processes. These processes include muscle contractions, nerve impulse propagation, condensation reactions, and active transport mechanisms.
When a cell needs to perform work, it breaks one of the phosphate bonds in ATP. This turns ATP into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and releases energy. The formula for this reaction is: \[ \text{ATP} \rightarrow \text{ADP} + \text{P}_i + \text{Energy} \]
This energy release is what powers cellular activities, making ATP a vital molecule for life. ATP is widely regenerated in cellular processes like cellular respiration, ensuring there's a constant supply of energy for cellular activities.

Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar, often referred to as a monosaccharide. It is crucial as it serves as the primary energy source in cells.
When cells need long-term energy, they store it within glucose molecules. Glucose can be obtained from carbohydrates in our diet, and upon digestion, it enters the cells through the bloodstream.
Inside the cells, glucose can be broken down through a process called glycolysis, converting glucose into pyruvate. This process releases energy stored in glucose, which ultimately leads to the production of ATP, as shown in the simplified equation below: \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{energy} \]
This energy conversion through cellular respiration not only keeps cells alive but ensures they have the required resources to function properly.

Energy Storage

Energy storage in biological systems refers to the ways in which organisms conserve energy for future use. Different molecules play distinct roles in energy storage, with glucose being a primary long-term storage molecule.
In terms of immediate use, energy is quickly accessible in ATP molecules.

• Long-term energy storage: Through the formation of glycogen in humans and starch in plants, glucose is stored and ready to be used when the body requires energy.
• Short-term energy access: ATP is rapidly produced and used due to its ability to quickly release energy when its bonds are broken.

These two systems of energy storage and use are interconnected. Cells continuously break down glucose to regenerate ATP, ensuring an ever-present supply of energy whenever required.
This balance allows organisms to manage their energy needs efficiently and adapt to their environments.