Energy in biology falls into two categories. Kinetic energy (aka cellular work) includes solute transport, motion, and endergonic chemical reactions. Potential energy is the energy of position and
is an important tool to store energy in biology. Potential energy in biology includes covalent bonds
and chemical gradients. Which of the following is evidence of the potential energy of covalent
chemical bonds?
a
Triglycerides (CiaH36O2l3 store about twice as much energy as polysaccharides (CH2O)
All of the other choices are evidence of the potential energy of covalent bonds.
O Light and heat are released when cellulose (wood) is burned.
Exergonic hydrolysis of ATP powers motor proteins.