Which of the following statements describes a central role that atp plays in cellular metabolism? a. its terminal phosphate bond is stronger than most covalent bonds in other biological macromolecules. b. hydrolysis of atp provides an input of free energy for exergonic reactions. c. hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group stores free energy that is used for cellular work. d. atp provides energy coupling between exergonic and endergonic reactions.

The correct answer is D. ATP provides energy coupling between exergonic and endergonic reactions.

ATP hydrolysis is an exergonic reaction, as a large amount of energy is released when this molecule is hydrolyzed. ATP is converted into ADP ( adenosine diphosphate)  and inorganic phosphate. The energy released in this reaction is utilized by the endergonic reactions ( which require energy) such as photosynthesis.

Thus, the central role that ATP in cellular metabolism is that it provides energy coupling between exergonic and endergonic reactions.