AAMC FL Practice Exam

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Study for the AAMC FL Exam. Prepare with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Gear up for your medical school entrance exam!

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Which bond links the phosphate groups in ATP?

Hydrogen bonds
Phosphodiester bonds
Phosphoanhydride bonds
Van der Waals forces

The correct answer is: Phosphoanhydride bonds

In ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the bond that links the phosphate groups is known as a phosphoanhydride bond. This specific type of bond forms between the phosphate groups, allowing ATP to store and release energy efficiently. When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), these bonds are cleaved, releasing energy that can be used for various cellular processes. Phosphoanhydride bonds are characterized by a connection of two phosphate groups through a dehydration reaction, where water is released. This structural feature is crucial for ATP's role as a primary energy carrier in biological systems. The energy released when these bonds are broken is significantly high, which makes ATP a suitable molecule for transferring energy within cells. Understanding the nature of phosphoanhydride bonds is key to grasping how ATP functions in energy metabolism and cellular activities.