Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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Study for the Biology STAAR Test. Improve your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

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What element is essential for the synthesis of ATP in cells?

Carbon
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Oxygen

The correct answer is: Phosphorus

The correct answer is phosphorus, as it is a critical component of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which serves as the primary energy carrier in cells. Each molecule of ATP contains three phosphate groups, and it is the high-energy bonds between these phosphate groups that store and release energy for cellular processes when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate). Phosphorus is found in the backbone of DNA and RNA as well, reinforcing its importance in biological functions related to energy transfer and storage, cellular signaling, and genetic information. While carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen play vital roles in other biological molecules and processes, it is phosphorus that is specifically essential for ATP synthesis and function.