adenozintrifosfátu

Adenozintrifosfát, commonly known as ATP, is a nucleoside triphosphate. It consists of an adenine base, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. ATP is often referred to as the "energy currency" of the cell because it stores and releases energy during cellular processes. The energy is stored in the high-energy phosphate bonds that link the phosphate groups.

When a cell needs energy to perform work, such as muscle contraction or active transport, ATP is hydrolyzed. This involves breaking one of the phosphate bonds, releasing a phosphate group and a significant amount of energy. This reaction typically produces adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). The energy released can then be used to power various cellular functions.

ADP can be rephosphorylated back into ATP through cellular respiration, a process that occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, or through photosynthesis in plants and some other organisms. This continuous cycle of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis ensures that cells have a constant supply of energy available. ATP is fundamental to all living organisms, playing a critical role in metabolism, signaling, and many other essential biological activities.