adenozíntrifosfát

Adenozíntrifosfát, commonly abbreviated as ATP, is a molecule that serves as the primary energy currency of the cell. It is composed of adenosine, which is a combination of adenine and ribose, and three phosphate groups. The energy stored within ATP is released when one of the phosphate groups is broken off, converting ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate molecule. This energy release is a fundamental process that powers a vast array of cellular activities.

Cells continuously synthesize and break down ATP to meet their energy demands. The synthesis of ATP primarily occurs through cellular respiration in the mitochondria, a process that uses glucose and oxygen to generate ATP. Photosynthesis in plants also produces ATP, which is then used to fuel the synthesis of sugars. The energy derived from ATP hydrolysis is utilized for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and the synthesis of complex molecules like proteins and nucleic acids. Without a constant supply of ATP, cellular processes would cease, leading to cell death. Therefore, ATP is essential for all known forms of life.