Which of the following can combine in a cell to convert a lower-energy molecule into a higher-energy molecule?

A. ADP + P + energy
B. ATP + P + energy
C. [tex]$ADP + P$[/tex]
D. [tex]$ATP + P$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which combination can convert a lower-energy molecule into a higher-energy molecule, let's consider the role of Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in cellular energy dynamics.

In cellular processes, ADP and ATP play crucial roles in energy transfer. ATP, being a molecule with high energy, can release energy when it hydrolyzes to ADP and an inorganic phosphate (P).

1. ADP + P + energy - This combination suggests that ADP combines with a phosphate group and energy to form ATP. This process is known as phosphorylation and is a key reaction where energy is stored. This is a valid reaction that forms a higher-energy molecule (ATP) from a lower-energy molecule (ADP).

2. ATP + P + energy - This combination implies adding a phosphate and energy to ATP, which typically does not occur in cellular processes because ATP already represents a high-energy molecule.

3. [tex]$A D P + P$[/tex] - This combination without the mention of energy is incomplete because the conversion of ADP to ATP requires energy.

4. [tex]$A T P + P$[/tex] - This combination also does not typically occur as ATP is already a high-energy molecule, and adding just a phosphate group without energy is not a recognized cellular process.

Based on these descriptions:

- ADP + P + energy is the correct combination in cellular processes for converting a lower-energy molecule (ADP) into a higher-energy molecule (ATP).

Thus, the correct answer is:
```
ADP + P + energy
```