What is the phosphoryl transfer potential of ATP?

The phosphoryl transfer potential of ATP is characterized by a negative ΔG°', indicating that energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This negative free energy of hydrolysis is a crucial feature that allows ATP to serve as a primary energy currency in cells. The release of energy upon breaking the phosphoanhydride bonds within ATP can be harnessed to fuel various biochemical processes, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and biochemical synthesis.

In cellular metabolism, the hydrolysis of ATP is coupled to many endergonic reactions, allowing these unfavorable processes to occur by utilizing the energy released from ATP breakdown. This makes ATP a vital molecule for temporarily storing and transferring energy in biological systems.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe ATP's role in cellular metabolism and energy transfer. For instance, a positive ΔG°' implies that reactions are non-spontaneous and absorb energy, which is not characteristic of ATP hydrolysis. The suggestion that ATP cannot transfer phosphate groups contradicts its primary function as an energy carrier. Lastly, describing ATP as stable and not releasing energy overlooks its role in energy metabolism and the energetic transformations that are fundamental to life.