High-energy transfer compounds (such as ATP and acetyl-CoA) are characterized by their ability to:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: transfer large amounts of free energy

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
High-energy compounds are central to metabolism. They act as energy currency, coupling exergonic and endergonic processes. Recognizing their defining property is crucial for understanding bioenergetics.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Examples include ATP, GTP, acetyl-CoA, and phosphoenolpyruvate.
  • They contain bonds with large negative free energy of hydrolysis.
  • Focus is on what they do functionally in pathways.


Concept / Approach:
Such molecules transfer free energy to other molecules by group transfer reactions (e.g., phosphoryl transfer from ATP). The large negative ΔG of hydrolysis drives coupled reactions forward.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify function: donate phosphoryl or acyl groups.Assess impact: transfer of chemical potential (free energy) to acceptor reactions.Select statement matching this: transfer large amounts of free energy.


Verification / Alternative check:
Coupling ATP hydrolysis to unfavorable biosyntheses (e.g., aminoacyl-tRNA formation) exemplifies energy transfer.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Accept large energy: Vague and not the defining feature. Measure free energy: Measurement is an analytical concept, not molecular function. None: Incorrect since a correct description exists.



Common Pitfalls:
Misinterpreting “high-energy bond” as a store to be “accepted” rather than transferred in a chemical reaction.



Final Answer:
transfer large amounts of free energy

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