alleryStart learning →A molecule that has just been phosphorylated is in what state?
AHigher energy and less stable than before
BLower energy and more stable than before
CHigher energy and more stable than before
DUnchanged in both energy and stability
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Higher energy and less stable than before
1. ATP donates its phosphate group to another molecule through phosphorylation.
2. The phosphorylated molecule is at a higher-energy state and is less stable than its unphosphorylated form.
3. This added energy from the phosphate is what allows the molecule to undergo its endergonic reaction.
4. Higher energy and greater stability do not go together here, because the added energy is precisely what makes the molecule reactive.
5. A lower energy state would leave the molecule unable to drive the reaction that follows.
6. In glycolysis this is exactly why phosphorylated glucose is described as a high-energy but unstable intermediate.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 6 "Metabolism", section 6.4 ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate_
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