The metabolic work of cells revolves around which of the following?

• A. The transfer of energy through ATP
• B. The direct use of sunlight for all cellular processes
• C. The passive diffusion of water across membranes
• D. The storage of genetic information in DNA

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of ATP in cellular processes: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell. It is used to transfer energy for various metabolic activities, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and chemical reactions.
2. Evaluate the option 'The direct use of sunlight for all cellular processes': While sunlight is essential for photosynthesis in plants, it is not directly used for all cellular processes. Instead, sunlight is converted into chemical energy stored in molecules like glucose, which is later used to produce ATP.
3. Analyze the option 'The passive diffusion of water across membranes': Passive diffusion of water, known as osmosis, is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis but does not directly drive metabolic work. It is a physical process rather than an energy transfer mechanism.
4. Consider the option 'The storage of genetic information in DNA': DNA stores genetic information and is crucial for heredity and protein synthesis, but it does not directly contribute to the transfer of energy for metabolic work.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'The transfer of energy through ATP': ATP is central to the metabolic work of cells, as it provides the energy required for cellular processes by releasing energy when its phosphate bonds are broken.