Biology Regents Practice Exam

What can the chemical bonds in compounds like proteins and fats provide?

1. Amino acids

2. Simple sugars

3. Energy

4. Enzymes

The correct answer is: Energy

The correct choice is energy. The chemical bonds found in compounds such as proteins and fats serve as a source of energy for biological processes. When these compounds are metabolized, the bonds are broken during chemical reactions, releasing stored energy which can then be utilized by living organisms for various functions, such as maintaining metabolism, powering cellular activities, and supporting growth and maintenance. Proteins and fats are rich in energy due to the presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms in their structures. When the body breaks down these macromolecules, it converts the energy stored in the bonds into usable forms, like ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is essential for fueling cellular functions. While amino acids and simple sugars are building blocks for proteins and carbohydrates respectively, their production is not the primary function of the chemical bonds within proteins and fats. Similarly, enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions but are not what the bonds directly provide in terms of energy. Therefore, understanding the role of these chemical bonds in energy release is fundamental in biology.