What is the half-life of adenosine?

The half-life of adenosine is indeed less than 2 seconds, which is why this answer is the most accurate. Adenosine is a nucleoside that plays a critical role in energy transfer and signaling within cells. Due to its rapid metabolism by ectoenzymes and its quick clearance from the bloodstream, it has an extremely short half-life. This brief time frame is significant in clinical situations, such as when adenosine is used as a pharmacological agent to treat certain types of tachycardia, where immediate effects on heart rhythm are needed.

The understanding of adenosine's half-life is essential for healthcare professionals, particularly in radiopharmacy, as it helps determine appropriate dosing and timing for various interventions. While the other choices describe half-lives longer than what is established for adenosine, none accurately represent its extremely short duration in biological systems.