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3.1.6 ATP

AQA A-level Biology 3.1.6 practice on ATP, with free MCQs, clues and worked explanations drawn from the Biological molecules section of specification 7402.

Specification route
3.1.6
Question bank
26 questions
Course stage
AS / Year 12

Sample questions

QUESTION 1 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 3

Why is ATP described as a 'nucleotide derivative' rather than a standard nucleotide?

  • It contains three phosphate groups instead of one.
  • It contains the sugar ribose instead of deoxyribose.
  • It is formed by a hydrolysis reaction rather than a condensation reaction.
  • It lacks a nitrogen-containing organic base.
Show clue

Compare the structure of an RNA nucleotide to ATP.

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Answer: It contains three phosphate groups instead of one.

A single molecule of ATP is formed from ribose, adenine, and three phosphate groups. A standard nucleotide in RNA/DNA only has a single phosphate group.

QUESTION 2 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 2

What is the specific role of the enzyme ATP synthase?

  • It catalyses the condensation of ADP and $P_{i}$ to resynthesise ATP.
  • It catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP into ADP and $P_{i}$.
  • It breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
  • It phosphorylates other compounds to make them more reactive.
Show clue

The name of the enzyme indicates it is involved in the 'synthesis' of the molecule.

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Answer: It catalyses the condensation of ADP and $P_{i}$ to resynthesise ATP.

ATP is resynthesised by the condensation of ADP and Pi. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme ATP synthase during photosynthesis, or during respiration.

QUESTION 3 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 4

Why is ATP more suitable than glucose as an immediate energy source for cellular reactions?

  • The hydrolysis of ATP is a single reaction that releases a small, manageable amount of energy directly.
  • ATP contains more total energy per molecule than glucose.
  • ATP can readily pass through the cell surface membrane to provide energy to adjacent cells.
  • ATP is stored in large quantities in the cytoplasm for long-term use.
Show clue

Consider the number of bonds that need to be broken and the efficiency of energy transfer.

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Answer: The hydrolysis of ATP is a single reaction that releases a small, manageable amount of energy directly.

Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and Pi is a single, quick reaction catalysed by ATP hydrolase, providing immediate energy. Glucose requires a complex, multi-step process (respiration) to release energy.

QUESTION 4 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 2

Which structural components make up a single molecule of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?

  • A molecule of ribose, a molecule of adenine, and three phosphate groups
  • A molecule of deoxyribose, a molecule of adenine, and three phosphate groups
  • A molecule of ribose, a molecule of guanine, and two phosphate groups
  • A molecule of ribose, an amine group, and three phosphate groups
Show clue

ATP is a nucleotide derivative closely related to an RNA nucleotide.

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Answer: A molecule of ribose, a molecule of adenine, and three phosphate groups

A single molecule of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a nucleotide derivative and is formed from a molecule of ribose, a molecule of adenine and three phosphate groups.

QUESTION 5 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 3

What is the function of the inorganic phosphate ($P_{i}$) released during the hydrolysis of ATP?

  • It can be used to phosphorylate other compounds, often making them more reactive
  • It acts directly as an enzyme to lower activation energy
  • It forms phosphodiester bonds to synthesize new DNA strands
  • It absorbs excess heat to buffer changes in cellular temperature
Show clue

Adding a phosphate group to a molecule generally increases its energy level.

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Answer: It can be used to phosphorylate other compounds, often making them more reactive

The inorganic phosphate released during the hydrolysis of ATP can be used to phosphorylate other compounds, often making them more reactive.

QUESTION 6 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 1

Which enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and $P_{i}$?

  • ATP hydrolase
  • ATP synthase
  • DNA helicase
  • DNA polymerase
Show clue

The name of the enzyme tells you what reaction it catalyses.

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Answer: ATP hydrolase

Hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate group (Pi) is catalysed by the enzyme ATP hydrolase.

QUESTION 7 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 2

During which two biological processes is ATP predominantly resynthesised by ATP synthase?

  • Photosynthesis or respiration
  • Mitosis or meiosis
  • Transcription or translation
  • Condensation or hydrolysis
Show clue

These processes are the primary energy-yielding pathways in plants and animals.

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Answer: Photosynthesis or respiration

This reaction [ATP resynthesis] is catalysed by the enzyme ATP synthase during photosynthesis, or during respiration.

QUESTION 8 · 3.1.6 · LEVEL 3

What is the consequence of coupling the hydrolysis of ATP to an energy-requiring reaction within a cell?

  • It provides the necessary energy to drive the endergonic (energy-requiring) reaction.
  • It permanently stores energy in the form of heat.
  • It prevents the reaction from occurring by increasing the activation energy.
  • It converts the inorganic phosphate back into a molecule of ribose.
Show clue

Coupling implies linking an energy-releasing process to an energy-consuming one.

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Answer: It provides the necessary energy to drive the endergonic (energy-requiring) reaction.

The hydrolysis of ATP can be coupled to energy-requiring reactions within cells, allowing those metabolic processes to proceed by using the energy released.

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