AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during chemiosmosis?

1. It acts as a glucose transporter

2. It generates energy through hydrolysis

3. It maintains the resting membrane potential

4. It facilitates the movement of ions against their gradient

The correct answer is: It generates energy through hydrolysis

During chemiosmosis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is crucial because it generates energy through hydrolysis. In this process, ATP is produced as protons flow back across the membrane through ATP synthase, a process driven by the proton gradient established by the electron transport chain in cellular respiration or photosynthesis. When ATP is hydrolyzed, it releases energy that can be utilized by the cell for various functions, including muscle contraction, active transport, and biochemical reactions. The role of ATP in this context emphasizes its function as an energy currency for the cell, making it essential for numerous metabolic processes. The generation of ATP via chemiosmosis is a fundamental aspect of how cells harness energy from nutrients or sunlight, allowing for efficient energy transfer within biological systems. Other choices present roles that ATP does not fulfill during chemiosmosis. Some of these roles pertain to different cellular functions unrelated to the core process of ATP generation in the context of chemiosmosis.