MCAT Biochemistry Question 145: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 145
10. Why is it preferable to cleave thioester links rather than typical ester links in aerobic metabolism?
- A. Oxygen must be conserved for the electron transport chain.
- B. Thioester hydrolysis has a higher energy yield.
- C. Typical ester hydrolysis cannot occur in vivo.
- D. Thioester cleavage requires more energy.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Thioester links release a great deal of energy when hydrolyzed, making them well-suited as respiration reaction drivers. They are particularly useful because they release more energy than typical ester cleavage. It is thioester formation, not hydrolysis, that requires a great deal of energy, making choice (D) incorrect.