What is the number of calories released when the last phosphate bond is broken to convert AMP to adenosine?

When the last phosphate bond is broken to convert AMP (adenosine monophosphate) to adenosine, it releases a significant amount of energy, measured in calories. In biochemistry, the hydrolysis of phosphate bonds in nucleotides is crucial for energy transfer and cellular energy metabolism.

The conversion from AMP to adenosine involves breaking the bond between the terminal phosphate group and the rest of the nucleotide, which provides energy for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction and biochemical reactions. This reaction specifically releases approximately 7.5 kcal/mol, which explains why the choice that states 7,500 calories is considered correct.

Understanding this energy release is essential for grasping how cells harness energy from nucleotides to perform work and maintain vital functions. The other numerical choices reflect energy values that are not accurate for this specific biochemical reaction.