alleryStart learning →Why can a living cell not simply store large amounts of free energy inside itself?
AThe heat produced would destroy the cell
BThe energy would turn the cytoplasm acidic
CThe energy would stop all enzymes forming
DThe energy would leak out through the membrane
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The heat produced would destroy the cell
1. A living cell cannot store significant amounts of free energy.
2. Excess free energy would raise the heat inside the cell.
3. That heat drives excessive thermal motion, which damages and then destroys the cell.
4. The cell therefore holds energy in adenosine triphosphate and releases it only as needed.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Cellular Respiration", section 7.1 Energy in Living Systems_
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