Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

What does ATP stand for?

1. Adenosine triphosphate

2. Arsenic triphosphate

3. Adenylate triphosphate

4. Aromatic triphosphate

The correct answer is: Adenosine triphosphate

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. It is a crucial molecule in cellular biology and serves as the primary energy currency of the cell. The structure of ATP includes an adenosine molecule, which is composed of an adenine base and a ribose sugar, coupled with three phosphate groups. The high-energy bonds between these phosphate groups can be hydrolyzed to release energy, driving many cellular processes such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biochemical synthesis. The significance of this answer lies in the versatility of ATP in metabolism and its role as a mediator of energy transfer within cells. Other options mentioned do not accurately represent the function or structure of ATP, thus reinforcing the importance of recognizing the correct terminology associated with biochemical energy carriers.