What is the major component of cellular energy transfer systems?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC GD Constable (2022) Official Paper (Held On : 02 Feb 2023 Shift 4)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Phosphorus.

Key Points

Phosphorus is an essential component of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is the molecule used by cells to store and transfer energy.
ATP is synthesized through cellular respiration, a process that involves a series of chemical reactions that break down glucose and other molecules to release energy.
Phosphorus is also a key element in other cellular processes, such as DNA and RNA synthesis, membrane structure, and signal transduction.

Additional Information

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP):
- All living species' cells include the energy-carrying chemical adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
- When food molecules break down, chemical energy is captured by ATP and released to power other cellular functions.
- For three main purposes, cells need chemical energy:
  - To power metabolic events that wouldn't happen on their own;
  - To move necessary materials across membranes;
  - To perform mechanical functions like muscle movement.
- It is the role of lipids and carbohydrates like glycogen to store chemical energy; ATP is not one of those molecules.
- ATP is created when energy from storage molecules is required by the cell. Then, ATP acts as a shuttle, carrying energy to areas of the cell where energy-intensive processes are occurring.