When 10,000 molecules of ATP are hydrolyzed to ADP and Pi in a test tube, about twice as much heat is liberated as when a cell hydrolyzes the same amount of ATP. Which of the following is the best explanation for this observation?

A. The reaction in cells must be catalyzed by enzymes, but the reaction in a test tube does not need enzymes. B. Cells are open systems, but a test tube is a closed system. C. Reactant and product concentrations in the test tube are different from those in the cell. D. Cells are less efficient at heat production than nonliving systems. E. The hydrolysis of ATP in a cell produces different chemical products than does the reaction in a test tube.

Question

Biology

Annabel Buckley

18 March, 14:33

When 10,000 molecules of ATP are hydrolyzed to ADP and Pi in a test tube, about twice as much heat is liberated as when a cell hydrolyzes the same amount of ATP. Which of the following is the best explanation for this observation?

A. The reaction in cells must be catalyzed by enzymes, but the reaction in a test tube does not need enzymes. B. Cells are open systems, but a test tube is a closed system. C. Reactant and product concentrations in the test tube are different from those in the cell. D. Cells are less efficient at heat production than nonliving systems. E. The hydrolysis of ATP in a cell produces different chemical products than does the reaction in a test tube.

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Answers (1)

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Jay Rivera · Answer 1

Answer: (C) Reactant and product concentrations in the test tube are different from those in the cell.

Explanation:.

More heat energy is liberated because the test tube is an enclosed system where the energy liberated from hydrolysis of ATPs is converted to majorly heat energy. However, in a living cell parts of the energy from ATPs hydrolysis is converted to other forms of energy to do biological work in the body, while the rest (60 %) is liberated as heat energy. Therefore less heat is liberated in the body compare to test tube where majority is liberated as heat; since there is no biological work to use the energy for.